Solicitor

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

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a qualified solicitor to join its in-house Legal and Governance Department. This position is integral in providing legal advice across a variety of academic, commercial, and compliance matters. The role focuses on building strong relationships within the university, supporting strategic discussions, and delivering high-quality legal solutions. The successful candidate will work on-site at least three days a week and must demonstrate significant legal experience along with excellent communication skills. Flexible working arrangements can be considered.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Retailer discounts

On-site nursery

Qualifications

• Significant post qualification experience in various areas of law.
• Experience dealing with legal issues and providing solutions.
• Ability to engage with stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice across a broad portfolio.
• Support strategic discussions on risk management.
• Deliver risk-based advice under time pressure.

Skills

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive

Post qualification experience

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Commercial contracts expertise

Experience in regulatory compliance

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

High levels of professional integrity

Business awareness

Education

Qualified to practice in England and Wales

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.

Reporting to the Head of Legal & Governance, your responsibilities will include :

• 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 .

What we’re looking for

As a small, friendly and busy team with a varied and engaging workload, we’re looking for an individual, who has the following :

• 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

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed .

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, please visit our .