Legal Counsel
University of Derby
Salary: £50,832 - £63,540 per annum (with scope for progression)
Location: Derby (Hybrid working: 3 days on campus, 2 days from home)
Contract: Permanent, 37 hours per week
About the Opportunity
Are you a commercially minded solicitor looking to make the move into a dynamic in-house environment? The University of Derby is seeking a Legal Counsel to join our growing legal team during an exciting period of transformation and development.
This is an excellent opportunity for Commercial Solicitor who thrives on variety, autonomy, and making a real impact. You'll work on high-profile matters with strategic partners, providing pragmatic legal advice across a broad spectrum of commercial contracts, procurement, grant agreements, and collaboration agreements.
You will engage directly with our Executive and Leadership Team and be empowered to run with projects and genuinely make the role your own. With structured career development, annual appraisals, and clear progression opportunities, this role offers the perfect platform to build a rewarding in-house career.
What You'll Be Doing
As Legal Counsel, you'll provide timely, high-quality legal advice across a diverse range of matters, including:
1. Commercial Contracts – Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of commercial contracts including grant agreements, licences, consultancy agreements
2. Procurement – Negotiate supply and purchase agreements, ensuring best value for the University and managing legal risk, maintaining precedent agreements, and coordinating external advisors when needed
3. Data Protection & Intellectual Property – Advise on data protection and intellectual property matters with the support of the Senior Legal Counsel
You'll be part of a supportive, collaborative team that values your input and expertise, with no time recording requirements, just great work and genuine autonomy.
About You
We're looking for someone who is lively, personable, and proactive, a qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales with demonstrable commercial law experience. You'll understand and embrace our university values: being Bold, valuing People, staying Future-focused, and delivering Brilliance.
Essential Requirements:
4. Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales
5. Experience practising commercial law and contracting
6. Strong communication, organisational, and presentation skills
7. Ability to work autonomously and manage urgent deadlines
8. Excellent IT skills and experience with administrative systems
9. Knowledge of contract law and commercial practice
Why Join Us?
The University of Derby is a modern, ambitious institution recognised by the Times Higher Education as one of the top 250 young universities in the world. We've achieved Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, and we're financially strong with a clear vision for the future.
Our 2,000 staff members tell us they love what they do: 84% find their work interesting, 82% enjoy their work, and 81% feel they make a positive difference. We're committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where you can build a rewarding career with genuine opportunities for growth.
Exceptional Benefits:
10. Generous leave: 42 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days
11. Outstanding pension: 23% employer contribution (Local Government Pension Scheme)
12. Employer-funded Private Health Insurance
13. Holiday Purchase Scheme for additional flexibility
14. Wellbeing support: Employee Assistance Programme, family-friendly policies, generous sick pay
15. Professional development: Financial support for accredited learning, structured career progression
16. Staff discounts: High street retailers, discounted on-site gym, Cycle to Work scheme
17. Tuition fee support for partners and children