Job Description

Legal Counsel
Location: Hybrid (with on-site presence in the South East as required)
Salary: 47,389 - 56,535
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (37 hours per week)
Are you an experienced Solicitor who thrives on variety and wants to make a genuine difference in a mission-led organisation? This is an excellent opportunity to join a high-performing in-house legal team supporting a nationally respected institution with an international reach.
The Role
You'll provide expert legal advice across a broad range of matters, helping to shape research, teaching, and commercial activity. The work is stimulating and diverse, covering everything from commercial contracts and research collaborations to regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and governance.
Typical responsibilities include:

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of commercial and research agreements, both in the UK and internationally.
• Advising on compliance, governance, and regulatory issues, including consumer protection and higher education regulation.
• Providing legal input on disputes and managing outsourced litigation where appropriate.
• Supporting procurement processes and advising on public procurement law.
• Contributing to internal policies and ensuring best practice in legal risk management.

About You
You'll be a qualified Solicitor (or equivalent) with at least two years' post-qualification experience, ideally with some exposure to higher education, public sector, or other complex regulated environments. You'll bring:

• Strong commercial and contract drafting skills.
• Excellent judgement and a pragmatic, solution-focused approach.
• The ability to build trusted relationships and communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A proactive, positive attitude and commitment to high professional standards.

Experience with public procurement, governance, or data protection issues would be an advantage but is not essential.
What's on Offer
You'll join a supportive and forward-thinking organisation that values flexibility, balance, and professional development. The benefits package includes:

• Generous pension scheme and financial wellbeing support.
• Up to 33 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and additional closure days.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Access to study fee waivers, apprenticeships, and continuous professional development opportunities.
• Private healthcare, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing initiatives.
• Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes, interest-free season ticket loans, and more.

This is a rare opportunity to combine intellectually engaging legal work with a strong sense of purpose and an excellent work-life balance.
If you're looking for a role where your legal expertise can have a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Skills Required