Legal Counsel

Birmingham City University; England; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a qualified lawyer to provide legal advice on a variety of issues, including commercial and procurement matters. The ideal candidate will have a practicing certificate, demonstrate strong commercial and communication skills, and work independently within a supportive team. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and promotes equality and academic freedom.

Qualifications

• Practising lawyer with a current practising certificate.
• Strong commercial legal experience.
• Ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on commercial, intellectual property, and procurement matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts.
• Support complex contractual arrangements.
• Assist with policy and governance matters.
• Implement processes for compliance.

Skills

Strong commercial experience

Excellent organization skills

Effective communication skills

Negotiation and influencing ability

Education

Current practicing certificate as a solicitor or barrister

Job description

Department Legal Services and Compliance Location Joseph Priestley Building Salary £62,364 to £70,564per annum plus a market supplement of up to 20%. Permanent Post Type Full Time Release Date 21 January 2026 Closing Date 23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 08 February 2026 Reference G226001

What you will be doing

• Providing legal advice across a wide range of areas, with a focus on commercial, intellectual property and procurement matters
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts and agreements
• Supporting complex, multi-party contractual arrangements
• Assisting the Director of Legal Services and Senior Legal Counsel with policy, procedure and governance matters
• Helping to implement processes for contract record keeping and compliance
• Supporting training and guidance for colleagues across the University
• Managing case files and supporting the wider Legal Services team
• Keeping up to date with legislation and advising on implications for the University

What we are looking for

You will be a practising lawyer (solicitor or barrister with a current practising certificate) with strong commercial experience and the ability to work independently. You will have excellent organisation and communication skills, and the ability to negotiate and influence at all levels.

If you would like to join a supportive and collaborative team, we would love to hear from you.

The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to enter the LGPS scheme will be able to do so and will be employed by Birmingham City University directly.

We are committed to equality, diversity inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.