At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach and inspire future legal professionals in a dynamic academic environment.
- Company: Join UWE Bristol Law School, a leader in legal education for over 40 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible teaching, generous holidays, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and leadership roles in a modern campus.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying a better work-life balance than traditional legal practice.
- Qualifications: Qualified barrister or solicitor with practice experience in England and Wales.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
For over 40 years, Bristol Law School UWE has been shaping the future of legal education. As a full-service Law School, we deliver a wide range of academic and professional law courses, combining rigorous academic training with the practical skills needed for success in legal practice. We are shaping globally connected legal professionals who are future‑focussed and equipped with the skills and mindset to navigate complexity, drive change and meet the critical legal needs of our time.
Our investment in state‑of‑the‑art facilities sets us apart: mock courtrooms, Harvard‑style lecture theatres, modern teaching spaces, a Legal Resource Room and a dedicated Business and Law Clinic where students gain hands‑on experience through pro bono work supervised by qualified and experienced professionals. We are ambitious, innovative, and inclusive — and we are looking for talented professionals and educators to join us.
If you are a qualified barrister or solicitor with practice experience in England and Wales who is ready to bring their real‑world expertise into the classroom and inspire the next generation of legal professionals, this might be the job for you! This is also your chance to enjoy a better work‑life balance that legal practice rarely offers. With flexible teaching opportunities, generous holiday allowances, sector‑leading pension, a supportive and collaborative academic community and opportunities for promotion and personal development, this role offers you the space to grow your career while making a genuine impact.
About the role
We are seeking to appoint permanent Lecturers/Senior Lecturers to strengthen our growing Professional Law programmes i.e. the Bar Training Course and Solicitors Training Course. We are looking for qualified barristers and solicitors with practice experience in England and Wales to teach:
- Knowledge and skills on the Criminal and/or Civil parts of the Bar Training Course.
- Knowledge and skills in the areas of Criminal Law and Practice, Wills and Probate and Property Law and Practice on the Solicitors Training Course.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Working with an experienced and passionate team of colleagues, you will:
- Teach, assess and support students on the full‑time and part‑time Bar Training Course and/or Solicitors Training Course. The part‑time courses may include some weekend teaching – where weekend teaching is undertaken, colleagues’ scheduled teaching during the working week will be adjusted accordingly to maintain a fair and balanced workload.
- Undertake module leadership on the Professional Law courses.
- Supervise dissertations/research projects.
- Provide academic and pastoral support to students as a personal tutor.
- Participate in off‑campus student outreach and other recruitment activities, including open days, when required.
- Collaborate with the School’s leadership team to advance learning and teaching initiatives and help sustain an innovative, forward looking curriculum.
This role also offers opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities, such as being a Programme Leader.
About You
We are looking for innovative, inclusive and collaborative individuals to join us as permanent Lecturers/Senior Lecturers. You must have current or previous experience of practice as a barrister or solicitor in England and Wales in at least one or more of the following areas:
- Criminal and/or Civil subjects and related skills on the Bar Training Course.
- Criminal Law and Practice, Wills and Probate and Property Law and Practice on the Solicitors Training Course.
Experience of teaching in a Higher Education setting is desirable, but not essential. You will bring excellent communication skills, strong organisation and effective time management, with the ability to prioritise confidently across multiple deadlines. You will be skilled at explaining complex information clearly and connecting learning to real world professional or commercial contexts. Your interpersonal strengths will enable you to build positive, productive working relationships. You will be committed to continually enhancing your teaching practice, including a focus on using technology effectively to support engaging, high quality learning. A student centred approach and a commitment to high ethical standards are essential. You will also demonstrate adaptability, resilience and confidence to navigate demanding or changing situations with professionalism and sound judgement.
Where you will be working
In this role, you’ll be based at our modern Frenchay Campus where we’ve invested in state‑of‑the‑art facilities designed to help both staff and students succeed.
Why UWE Bristol?
We offer a wide range of employee benefits including progressive pay rates, very generous annual leave and career average pension schemes as well as retail savings, onsite nursery and opportunities for training and personal development. We also provide a tailored professional programme to support our academic colleagues in delivering the highest in professional teaching standards. As a Disability Confident employer we welcome applications from those who identify as having a disability.
Further information
If you would like to speak to us to find out more about this role, please contact Shilan Shah, Academic Director of Bristol Law School, on 0117 32 81312 or via email on shilan.shah@uwe.ac.uk. Interviews are scheduled to take place at our Frenchay Campus on w/c 16th March 2026. This is a full‑time, permanent post. This post is available on a job share basis for applicants wishing to work part time.
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer - Professional Law employer: University of the West of England
As a REE Administrator at our University, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to fostering research excellence and community engagement. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, with numerous opportunities for upskilling and career advancement. Located in a vibrant academic environment, our institution values innovation and collaboration, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
University of the West of England Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lecturer/Senior Lecturer - Professional Law
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the institution and its values, especially how they align with your teaching philosophy. Be ready to discuss how your real-world experience can inspire students and enhance their learning.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for teaching! During interviews or networking events, share stories about your teaching experiences and how you've made a difference in students' lives. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our innovative and inclusive community at UWE Bristol.
We think you need these skills to ace Lecturer/Senior Lecturer - Professional Law
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your experience in legal practice and teaching, and connect it to what we’re looking for at Bristol Law School.
Showcase Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for legal education! Share examples of how you've inspired students or contributed to their learning, as we value innovative and inclusive educators.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of the West of England
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key areas of law you'll be teaching, especially Criminal Law and Practice, Wills and Probate, and Property Law. Be ready to discuss how your real-world experience as a barrister or solicitor can enhance the learning experience for students.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Style
Even if you don't have formal teaching experience, think about how you would engage students in a classroom setting. Prepare examples of how you can explain complex legal concepts clearly and connect them to practical scenarios. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire the next generation of legal professionals.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
The role involves working with a passionate team, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a collaborative environment. Think of examples from your past where you've worked effectively with others to achieve common goals, whether in legal practice or other settings.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the Professional Law programmes and the school's vision for the future. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.