Senior Legal Counsel (0075-25) - Derby, DE22 1GB

University of Derby; Derby; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to lead its Legal Services team. This pivotal role involves providing expert legal advice on complex, high-value matters, managing a dedicated team, and ensuring robust legal frameworks are in place. The successful candidate will demonstrate significant post-qualification experience in commercial law and contract management, along with exceptional leadership and communication skills. Join a forward-thinking institution committed to making a positive impact and enjoy a supportive environment that prioritizes staff wellbeing and professional development.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Holistic wellbeing benefits

Staff discounts at retailers

Discounted onsite gym

Employer-funded Private Health Insurance

Holiday purchase scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Flexible working environment

Commitment to personal development

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with significant experience in complex legal matters.
• Strong track record in commercial law and contracting.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on high-value strategic matters.
• Manage a team of solicitors ensuring high standards of service.

Skills

Commercial Law

Contract Law

Regulatory Compliance

Leadership

Communication Skills

Education

Solicitor or Barrister Qualification

Post-Qualification Experience

Job description

Senior Legal Counsel (0075-25) - Derby, DE22 1GB

About the University

We have one simple promise - to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 - making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

Legal Services sits within the Legal, Governance & Assurance Services department, a central risk management and professional support function.

Comprising three specialist teams: Legal Services, Governance Services, and Assurance Services, the department plays a key role in assessing and mitigating legal, regulatory, financial, and reputational risk across the University.

The Department provides timely, high-quality, pragmatic, and commercially focused legal advice on complex, high-value, and strategic matters. Through its work, it supports the University's strategic ambitions and ensures robust legal frameworks are in place to guide and protect institutional decision-making.

About the Role

This is a senior and influential position within the University\\\'s Legal Services team. As Senior Legal Counsel, you will provide expert legal advice on complex, high-value, and strategic matters while also leading the day-to-day operations of the Legal Services function.

Reporting to the Director of Legal, Governance & Assurance Services, you will manage a team of solicitors and support staff, ensuring high standards of service and legal risk management across the University. You will also oversee the University's panel of external legal advisers, including the instruction of matters and billing oversight.

The role involves advising on a broad spectrum of legal issues and agreements, from commercial contracts and research collaborations to intellectual property, procurement, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, including the Executive and Leadership Team, providing pragmatic, solutions-focused advice that supports the University's strategic objectives.

Interview Date - 2nd June 2025

About You

The successful applicant will be a senior legal professional, qualified to practise as a solicitor or barrister, with significant post-qualification experience advising on complex and high-value legal matters. You will bring a strong track record in commercial law and contracting, coupled with excellent knowledge of contract law and regulatory frameworks relevant to a large, multifaceted organisation.

As a confident leader, you will have demonstrable experience of managing legal professionals and guiding a team to deliver high-quality, client-focused legal services. You will be skilled in developing and overseeing legal processes and controls that ensure effective risk management and value for the organisation.

Your communication and interpersonal skills will be exceptional, allowing you to influence and advise senior stakeholders, including executive-level colleagues, with credibility and clarity. You'll be adept at navigating complex legal and organisational issues, taking a pragmatic and strategic approach to problem-solving.

Experience in the higher education or public sector, particularly in relation to intellectual property, research contracting, or procurement, would be advantageous.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 42 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Access to employer-funded Private Health Insurance
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact James Fussell, Director of Legal, Governance & Assurance Services via

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via

Important Information

This role is eligible for sponsorship by the University, however, your individual circumstances must meet the criteria set out by UKVI; this includes meeting the English Language requirement and earning a salary that meets the highest of either the going rate for the SOC code or the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£38,700 per annum).

If the role is eligible, but the offered salary is less that the going rate for the role, you may still be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa if:

• Your job is on the Immigration Skills List
• You're under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
• You have a PhD level qualification that's relevant to your job
• You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

Please note that the University cannot confirm your eligibility for sponsorship until an offer is made and your individual circumstances have been considered.

For more information, visit our website .

Closing Date: 18 May 2025

Area: Senior Management

Salary: £58,863 to £73,579
For exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £84,616 per annum