Legal Counsel

The Open University; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Staff fee waivers

Job summary

The Open University in Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom, is seeking a full-time Legal Counsel to join its in-house legal team. The role focuses on drafting, reviewing and negotiating legal agreements across teaching, research, and partnerships, while delivering timely, high-quality advice.

You must be a qualified solicitor with at least two years PQE, ideally with experience in higher education or charity sectors, and strong communication skills to manage diverse client needs.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experience in a legal role.
• Experience in higher education and/or charity sectors is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage workload under time pressure and adapt to client needs.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legal agreements (goods/services, consultancy, research funding, collaborations, data sharing).
• Undertaking legal, compliance, and governance research.
• Advising on legally contentious matters, disputes, and outsourced litigation management.
• Ensuring compliance with Office for Students, CMA, and public procurement requirements.
• Providing advice on IP rights and student appeals/complaints.

Skills

Solicitor/qualification

PQE 2+ years

Higher education/charity experience

Legal drafting & negotiation

Communication skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor or equivalent

Job description

Legal Counsel

T

Organising Institution / Firm

The Open University

Rolling Basis (Official)

Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom

Qualified Solicitor or equivalent with a minimum of 2 years’ post qualification experience in a legal role, preferably in the higher education and/or charity sectors.

Law Firm Job

Full Opportunity Brief

Contextual Overview

The Open University is hiring a full-time Legal Counsel to join its in-house legal team based in Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom. The role involves supporting teaching, research, commercial partnerships, and strategic initiatives across the university by delivering high-quality legal advice.

Key Eligibility Criteria

• Qualified Solicitor or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in a legal role.
• Experience in higher education and/or charity sectors is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage workload under time pressure and adapt to client needs.

Responsibilities & Scope of Work

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legal agreements (goods and services, consultancy, research funding, national and international academic collaborations, and data sharing).
• Undertaking legal, compliance, and governance research.
• Advising on legally contentious matters, disputes, and managing outsourced litigation.
• Assuring compliance with Office for Students, Competition and Markets Authority, and public procurement requirements.
• Providing advice on intellectual property (copyright, trademarks, and internet domain rights) and student appeals/complaints.

Stipend, Compensation & Mode

Base Pay Range: £47,389.00/yr - £56,535.00/yr (paid annually, alongside comprehensive benefits including 33 days annual leave, pension scheme, and staff fee waivers).