Legal Counsel

Pertemps Contracts; England; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide expert legal advice for various university activities. You will draft legal agreements and support compliance while working within a dynamic academic environment. Ideal candidates will be qualified solicitors with contract negotiation experience and strong communication skills. This is a hybrid role based in Milton Keynes.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Supportive and inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' PQE as a Qualified Solicitor or equivalent.
• Strong experience in drafting and negotiating contracts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate legal agreements for various university activities.
• Advise on compliance, governance issues, and legal disputes.
• Support on tendering, contract drafting, and procurement law.

Skills

Contract drafting and negotiation

Communication skills

Problem solving

Adaptability

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Qualified Solicitor (or equivalent)

Job description

Legal Counsellor

Job Title: Legal Counsel

Location: Milton Keynes (Hybrid / Remote)

Salary: 47,389 - 56,535 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

Closing Date: 12 November 2025

Contract Type: Permanent

Pertemps are proud to be working with The Open University, the UK's largest university and a global leader in flexible, part‑time higher education. The OU combines world‑class teaching with a powerful mission to make education accessible to all – transforming lives through learning.

About the Role

As a member of the Legal Services team, you will work alongside experienced in‑house lawyers to provide expert legal advice across a wide range of University activities. You will support research, teaching, and commercial operations, ensuring compliance and mitigating legal risks.

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of legal agreements, including those for goods and services, consultancy, research funding, academic collaborations nationally and internationally, and data sharing agreements.
• Research and advise on legal, compliance and governance issues, and support the implementation of best practice.
• Advise on contentious matters and disputes, prepare related documents, and manage external legal support when required.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including those set by the Office for Students and the Competition and Markets Authority.
• Provide legal advice on intellectual property matters such as copyright, trademarks and domain rights.
• Support the procurement team on tendering, contract drafting and compliance with procurement law and internal procedures.
• Advise on the legal aspects of student appeals and complaints processes.
• Carry out other duties relevant to the level and scope of the role.

About You

We are looking for a confident and collaborative legal professional who enjoys problem‑solving in a dynamic academic setting.

• A Qualified Solicitor (or equivalent) with a minimum of 2 years' PQE.
• Strong experience in contract drafting and negotiation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal matters clearly.
• The ability to prioritise, manage deadlines, and maintain quality under pressure.
• A proactive, adaptable and team‑focused approach, with sensitivity to client needs.
• Competence in using Microsoft Office and a willingness to embrace new technologies.

Desirable

• Experience within higher education or public sector.
• Understanding of governance, compliance, or public procurement law (Procurement Act 2023).

Why Join the Open University

This role is hybrid, combining home working with attendance at the Milton Keynes campus as required. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a values‑driven organisation with a powerful mission: widening access to education and transforming lives. The Open University offers a supportive, inclusive, and flexible working environment, committed to diversity and equity.