Legal Counsel
Legal Counsel – 12 Month FTC (Immediate Start)
Location: London (Hybrid working available – 2 days in the office)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term (12 months)
Reporting to: Head of Legal Services
Start Date: ASAP
About the Role
This role offers a unique opportunity to join a dynamic legal team within a leading academic institution. You will provide pragmatic legal advice across a broad range of areas, support strategic projects, and contribute to the School’s mission through effective legal risk management and collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide clear, pragmatic legal advice across commercial contracts, intellectual property, information rights, and equality law.
- Support the negotiation, drafting, interpretation, and enforcement of commercial and educational agreements (e.g. complex supplier agreements, sponsorships, collaborations).
- Assist the Senior Legal Counsel on contract and commercial disputes and major cross-functional projects.
- Ensure legal compliance and risk mitigation across the organisation.
- Take a commercially diligent approach to legal support, prioritising work based on risk, value, and urgency.
- Contribute to effective knowledge management, including training non-lawyers and maintaining legal resources.
- Stay abreast of legislative developments, sector guidance, and government policy affecting higher education.
- Tailor legal advice to align with the School’s strategic priorities and charitable objectives.
- Promote sound decision-making and build strong relationships with suppliers, partners, and collaborators.
Essential Criteria
- UK (or similar jurisdiction) Qualified solicitor or barrister with a current Practising Certificate.
- Strong experience in commercial and contract law.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage a diverse workload under pressure.
- Strong IT skills and legal judgement.
Desirable
- Experience within the Higher Education sector or large complex organisations.
Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.
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