Solicitor

University of Plymouth; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Plymouth is looking for a qualified solicitor to join its in-house Legal and Governance Department. This full-time role focuses on providing expert legal advice, engaging with stakeholders, and supporting strategic discussions. The position offers a competitive salary, generous leave, and the possibility of flexible working arrangements. Strong qualifications and a history of dealing with various legal matters are crucial. The university promotes an inclusive environment for all applicants.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Competitive salary package

Flexible working

Employee Assistance Programme

On-site nursery

Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience in the UK.
• Proven track record in various aspects of law.
• Comfortable advising on different legal issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice across varied legal matters.
• Support strategic discussions and project development.
• Engage with stakeholders to build trust.

Skills

Expert legal advice

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial acumen

Risk management

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

Are you looking for your next opportunity in your legal career in a role that offers variety but with a strong focus on a positive work-life balance?

About the role

We are looking for a qualified solicitor to join the University’s in-house Legal and Governance Department. This team provides legal advice across academic, commercial, and compliance matters for the University group. The role is strategically important and offers the opportunity to make a significant impact within a leading UK university.

You will be joining at an exciting time where you can really make a difference both within the team and the wider University.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice across a broad portfolio, ensuring pragmatic and practical solutions.
• Support strategic discussions on risk management, project development, and compliance.
• Deliver risk‑based advice under time pressure, working independently while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Engage with stakeholders across the University to build trust and maintain strong working relationships.
• Apply sound judgment and commercial acumen in all legal matters.
• Contribute to governance and compliance frameworks to support institutional objectives.

This role requires you to be on‑site at least 3 days per week. While hybrid working can be accommodated, flexibility to attend the workplace as needed will be expected in line with business requirements.

While this role is advertised as full‑time, we welcome applications from individuals seeking flexible arrangements, including part‑time hours or job share opportunities. Please indicate your preferred working pattern in your personal statement, as this will be discussed further during the interview process.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Melissa Rose, Head of Legal and Governance, by email on [e-mail].

What we’re looking for

• A qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive
• Significant post‑qualification experience, qualified to practice in England and Wales
• Be comfortable exploring and advising on different areas of law.
• Experience of dealing with a variety of legal issues
• Proven track record in commercial contracts, regulatory and legislative compliance, dispute resolution and legal risk management
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a professional team
• High levels of professional integrity and business awareness.

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Anticipated Interview Date(s): Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 February 2026.

Our Offer

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits/support mechanisms, including ongoing development opportunities, flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

When joining us, you will receive:

• Generous annual leave: 35* Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part‑time) plus Bank Holidays* & Closure Days*
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On‑site nursery

*Pro rata if part‑time/fixed term contract

Additional Information

A successful external candidate for this position would be employed by the University of Plymouth Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Plymouth. Employees of the University of Plymouth Services Limited work alongside the University of Plymouth colleagues in delivery of Plymouth’s strategic vision, and will adopt the University of Plymouth’s HR policies and procedures in full unless otherwise stated.

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter.