Senior Legal Adviser
£68,720 – £72,004 + £7,500 allowance + London weighting (£3,566 where applicable)
Bristol or London | 12 Month Fixed-Term Contract | Generous Civil Service pension
The chance to shape regulation at the heart of English higher education.
The Office for Students is looking for an experienced public law or regulatory lawyer to join its legal team as a Senior Legal Adviser. This is a rare opportunity to work on complex, high-profile legal issues that directly affect students, universities, and the future of higher education in England.
You’ll operate at senior level across a fast-moving regulatory environment, advising on matters that are politically sensitive, legally complex, and nationally significant.
Whether your background comes from a regulator, central or local government, private practice, or another public body, this role offers the opportunity to apply your expertise in a genuinely influential setting.
The Role
You’ll lead on the provision of legal advice across a broad range of regulatory and public law matters, working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation. This is a role for someone comfortable operating with autonomy, judgement, and influence. The work is varied, intellectually demanding, and highly collaborative. You’ll advise on areas including:
* Public law and statutory interpretation
* Regulatory enforcement and investigations
* Consumer protection law
* Human rights and equalities law
* Judicial review and litigation management
* Information law, including GDPR and FOI
* Regulatory frameworks and registration conditions
Alongside delivering complex legal advice, you’ll also help shape the wider legal function by:
* Supporting the leadership and development of the legal team
* Managing relationships with external counsel and legal providers
* Delivering training and guidance across the organisation
* Contributing to strategic and operational legal initiatives
About You
* Qualified Solicitor with experience in public law, regulation, or a comparable environment
* You do not need higher education sector experience, but you will bring transferable expertise
* You’ll likely have experience in at least two of the following: Public law, Regulatory enforcement or investigations, Consumer protection law, Interpretation of regulatory rules or licence conditions or Advising on sector-specific legislation within a regulated environment
Why Join the OfS?
The OfS plays a critical role in protecting students’ interests and ensuring quality and accountability across higher education in England. You’ll join an organisation where legal advice sits close to decision-making and where your work will have visible impact. The environment is collaborative, thoughtful, and mission-driven, with scope to broaden your expertise across a uniquely varied regulatory landscape.
Flexible and hybrid working is actively supported, with teams typically attending the office two days per week. Part-time working, job share arrangements, and secondment enquiries are also welcomed.
If you’re looking for a role combining complex public law work, strategic influence, and meaningful public impact, this is well worth exploring.