Are you looking to take the next step in your legal career within a dynamic, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment?
Join our in‑house Legal Services team as a Junior Legal Counsel and play a pivotal role in helping the University manage a diverse range of litigation and regulatory matters. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced paralegal or junior Solicitor eager to work at the heart of a complex organisation while developing high‑level legal expertise.
About the Role
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Junior Legal Counsel to join our in-house Legal Services team. This is a dynamic role at the heart of the University’s operations, providing essential legal support in managing a broad range of litigation matters including contractual disputes, student‑related claims, and regulatory compliance.
Working closely with the University’s Legal Services team, external counsel, and internal stakeholders, you will play a vital role in ensuring the University’s legal interests are protected. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced paralegal or junior Solicitor looking to develop their career within a complex and intellectually rewarding environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Litigation Support: Assist in the preparation and management of litigation and dispute resolution cases, including drafting correspondence, reviewing documents, and liaising with legal representatives.
* Document Drafting: Draft legal documents, including statements of case and defences, witness statements, instructions to counsel, and court forms under supervision.
* Case Management: Maintain and update case files, track key deadlines, and ensure proper document control and storage for all ongoing and potential claims.
* Legal Research: Conduct legal research and provide concise summaries to support ongoing litigation, ensuring relevance to the higher education and regulatory landscape.
* Regulatory Support: Support the Legal Services team on matters involving regulatory bodies such as the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA), Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and Office for Students (OfS).
* Client Liaison: Act as a point of contact for internal clients and external solicitors, maintaining clear and professional communication.
* Risk & Compliance: Assist in identifying legal risks in contentious matters and provide administrative support to ensure compliance with data protection, FOI requests, and relevant legal protocols.
* Training & Development: Contribute to the development of training materials and guidance documents for staff on litigation related matters.
About You
* Proven experience in a litigation or disputes environment (in‑house or private practice).
* Sound understanding of the civil litigation process in England and Wales, including pre‑action protocols and court procedures.
* Strong legal research and analytical skills, with the ability to summarise complex information clearly and accurately.
* A strong commitment to excellence in working with a diverse student population.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft legal documentation to a high standard.
* Strong organisational and time management skills with a proactive and detail‑oriented approach.
* Competency with legal case management systems and Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
* Experience working within the higher education or public sector.
* Familiarity with judicial review or administrative law processes.
* Knowledge of student complaints procedures or regulatory frameworks applicable to universities (e.g. OIA, OfS).
* Legal qualification such as a Law Degree, LPC, NALP, CILEX, or equivalent.
Support with your application
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.
Why Join The Open University?
Working within our Legal Services team offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports the University’s mission and protects its legal and regulatory position. You’ll be part of a collaborative, intellectually engaging environment where professional growth is encouraged and supported.
Our benefits include:
* 33 days annual leave, on top of bank holidays and a three‑day Christmas closure period.
* Access to a leading pension scheme for UK higher education with generous employer contributions.
* Staff Fee Waivers for OU study, meaning you could earn a degree for free.
* Hybrid working, with limited requirement to attend the office in‑person, with agile working and family friendly policies.
* Discounts, wellbeing support, and development opportunities.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply now if you’re looking to develop your legal career while contributing to work that makes a genuine difference helping us deliver high‑quality legal support across one of the UK’s most respected institutions.
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