Solicitor

University of Leicester; Leicester; On-site; GBP 50,253 - 56,535; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Career development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Leicester is seeking a Solicitor to provide expert legal advice covering commercial contracts, data protection, and student matters. You will manage your own caseload and support the University’s strategic goals by ensuring robust legal compliance.

Candidates should be a UK-qualified Solicitor or Barrister with substantial experience in higher education law and strong communication skills. Join a diverse and inclusive community dedicated to impactful legal support.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in legal practice relevant to the higher education sector.
• Ability to provide pragmatic advice on complex legal matters under pressure.
• Excellent drafting skills and experience in policy drafting.

Responsibilities

• Provide risk-based legal advice across various areas.
• Manage own caseload and advise on legal developments.
• Deliver training and develop templates to promote compliance.

Skills

Pragmatic legal advice

Drafting agreements

Data protection

Intellectual property

Procurement law

Communication skills

Client management

Education

UK-qualified Solicitor or Barrister

Job description

School/Division: Legal, Governance and Information Services

Vacancy terms: Full-time or job share, fixed term contract till 3 January 2027 or upon the return of the postholder

Salary details: Grade 8 - £50,253 to £56,535 per annum, pro‑ratio if part-time

About the role

We are seeking a skilled and pragmatic Solicitor to join our Legal, Governance and Information Assurance Services team. In this pivotal role, you will provide risk‑based legal advice across a wide range of areas including commercial contracts, academic collaborations, data protection, property matters, and student‑related issues. You will be responsible for managing your own caseload, drafting and negotiating agreements, and advising senior staff on legal developments that may impact the University’s operations.

Working closely with internal stakeholders and external legal advisors, you will ensure the University receives sound, cost‑effective legal support that aligns with our strategic goals. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the University’s mission by supporting its academic and non‑academic activities with expert legal guidance. You will also play a key role in enhancing legal awareness across the institution, delivering training and developing templates and policies that promote compliance and good governance. Your work will help ensure the University meets its legal obligations and maintains its reputation as a responsible and forward‑thinking institution.

About you

You will be a UK‑qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate and substantial experience in legal practice relevant to the higher education sector. Your ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice on complex legal matters—often under pressure—will be essential. A strong understanding of areas such as data protection, intellectual property, and procurement law is important, as is the flexibility to quickly acquire knowledge in new legal domains. You will also need excellent drafting skills and the confidence to manage client expectations and challenge external advice when necessary.

We are looking for someone who can communicate complex legal concepts effectively to a wide range of audiences and who thrives in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment. An understanding of the governance and ethical frameworks within which universities operate would be advantageous, as would experience in drafting policies and guidance.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Elizabeth Warhurst at [e-mail]

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward‑thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.