- Lead and advise on all legal matters related to the University's operations, including governance, commercial contracting, research, employment, and student affairs.
- Support the University Council, University Secretary, and senior executives on significant legal issues and decisions.
- Manage the in-house Legal Services Team, fostering a high-performance culture to ensure effective legal support across the University.
- Supervise team members, ensuring compliance with Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Council requirements.
- Oversee the procurement and management of external legal services when required, ensuring quality and value.
- Manage the legal budget and resources efficiently.
- Provide overall leadership for all legal activities and manage a diverse range of legal matters with a risk-based approach.
- Determine the necessity for legal input and whether it should be sourced internally or externally.
- Build and maintain strong relationships across the University as a trusted legal advisor.
- Manage and prioritize the in-house team's work to ensure high service quality and adherence to deadlines.
- Provide legal advice to the Council, Executive, and University subsidiaries.
- Oversee the management of external legal advice in line with the University’s Procurement Policy.
- Identify and mitigate potential legal risks, ensuring the University meets its legal obligations.
- Degree in law or equivalent qualification.
- Qualified Solicitor with a current SRA Practicing Certificate.
- Minimum of 5 years of senior-level post-qualification experience.
- Strong technical skills in commercial, corporate, intellectual property law, and an understanding of data protection law.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Experience in leading and managing an in-house legal team, including supervising and coaching junior lawyers.
- Proven ability to handle complex legal matters, manage resources and budgets, and deliver under pressure.
- Understanding of charity law and expertise in regulatory matters impacting a university, such as student complaints, discipline, and charitable donations.