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Department: Legal Services and Compliance
Location: Joseph Priestley Building, Birmingham City University
Salary: £70,564 to £79,840 per annum, plus a market supplement of up to 20%
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Reference: G225002
Closing Date: 23:59 (GMT), Sunday 30 November 2025
About Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and diverse community of more than 30,000 students from around 100 countries. We are committed to delivering a transformational student experience through outstanding teaching, modern facilities, and a strong focus on practical skills and employability. Our world-class research addresses real-world challenges and drives innovation beyond the University.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to support the Head of Legal Services in delivering a comprehensive legal service across the University. This varied and influential role involves advising on a broad range of operational and strategic issues, with a focus on commercial, contractual, litigation, and regulatory matters.
You will represent the Legal Services team on key committees and working groups, manage legal projects independently, and play an important leadership role in mentoring junior colleagues. The successful candidate will also be responsible for supervising those undertaking formal legal training and contributing to the continued development of legal operations, precedents, and technology-based solutions.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide timely, practical, and commercially informed legal advice on a range of matters, including contracts, disputes, and student issues.
* Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of legal agreements.
* Manage and mentor junior members of the Legal Services Team, including acting as a formal training principal where required.
* Lead or contribute to University-wide initiatives, policies, and working groups on legal and regulatory matters.
* Advise senior leadership, including the Vice-Chancellor, University Secretary, and Governors, on complex legal issues.
* Support the Head of Legal Services in developing and delivering training and procedures related to contracts and compliance.
* Maintain accurate case files and contribute to the development of efficient legal processes and risk management frameworks.
* Promote best practice, professionalism, and confidentiality across all legal work.
Person Specification
* Qualified practising lawyer (Solicitor or Barrister) with a current practising certificate or bar registration.
* Significant post‑qualification experience, ideally within a complex or public sector environment.
* Proven ability to work independently on legal matters and manage multiple priorities.
* Experience in supervising or managing legal professionals or trainees.
* Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
* Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders and across departments.
* Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Further Details
The appointed candidate will normally be employed through BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to enter the LGPS scheme will be employed directly by Birmingham City University.
Birmingham City University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and to addressing underrepresentation within our workforce. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer, offering a guaranteed interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.
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