At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on commercial agreements and procurement processes for a UK University.
- Company: Join a leading UK University with a strong legal team.
- Benefits: Fully remote work, competitive pay up to £60 per hour, and potential for extension.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence strategic projects and initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education while working flexibly from anywhere.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister preferred; strong experience in commercial law required.
Venn Group’s specialist legal team are currently working with a UK University to recruit a Locum Senior Commercial Lawyer. The successful candidate will have strong experience providing pragmatic legal advice within a complex organisation, with a particular focus on commercial and procurement matters. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced lawyer to join an established legal function on a fully remote basis.
The Role
- Working Arrangement: Fully remote working
- Duration: Initial 3 months with likely extension thereafter
- Rate: £55-60 per hour Umbrella
Role Responsibilities
- Acting as a senior legal adviser to a range of University departments, providing clear and commercially focused advice on day-to-day business activities
- Taking ownership of a varied portfolio of commercial agreements and contractual matters, from initial instruction through to completion
- Providing legal advice on procurement processes and commercial sourcing exercises, ensuring contractual arrangements are appropriately structured and compliant with applicable procurement requirements
- Preparing, reviewing and negotiating contracts with a range of external organisations, suppliers, partners and other stakeholders
- Supporting the University on strategic projects, business initiatives and new commercial arrangements
- Identifying potential legal exposure within proposed transactions and providing practical recommendations to manage risk
- Working closely with non-legal colleagues to understand operational requirements and ensure legal advice is aligned with wider University objectives
Candidate Requirements
- Ideally a Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate in England, however non-qualified candidates will also be considered
- Strong experience working in an in-house legal environment
- Demonstrable experience handling a broad range of commercial contracts and agreements
- Strong drafting and negotiation skills, with the ability to advise confidently throughout the contract lifecycle
- Experience advising a range of internal stakeholders and translating complex legal issues into clear, practical advice
- Ability to work autonomously, prioritise competing demands and manage a varied workload in a fast-paced environment
- Previous experience within the higher education sector would be advantageous, although candidates with relevant experience from other complex organisations will also be considered
Venn Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all candidates. Due to the high volume of applications, it is not possible to provide feedback for every applicant. If one of the team has not contacted you within 48 hours, then please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Locum Senior Commercial Lawyer employer: Venn Group
As a leading university in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values collaboration and professional growth. Our Governance & Legal Services team is dedicated to service excellence, offering employees the chance to engage in meaningful work while benefiting from hybrid working options and continuous improvement initiatives. Join us to be part of a culture that prioritises accuracy, professionalism, and the development of your career in higher education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Locum Senior Commercial Lawyer
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Venn Group.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Venn Group does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Venn Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Locum Senior Commercial Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Venn Group and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Venn Group
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Locum Senior Commercial Lawyer role at Venn Group. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Venn Group.
