Role
In-House Solicitor
Grade and Salary
Grade 7, £37,694 - £47,389 per annum
FTE and working pattern
1FTE, 35hrs per week, Monday – Friday
Holiday Entitlement
33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
About the Team
The Governance and Legal Services vision is to support effective and accountable governance, compliance, and safety as an essential foundation for the University, being globally connected and enhancing value. Our mission is to drive improvement in governance, compliance, and safety through the provision of high-quality advice, monitoring of compliance in all the jurisdictions within which the University operates and through the development of professional families and networks.
The Assurance and Legal Services team sits within the GALS Directorate and is responsible for the provision of a range of services to the University as follows:
* Legal advice and assistance across the University, with an emphasis on (i) contract formation, management, & termination, and (ii) dispute resolution.
* Risk Management and controls assurance
* Oversight of the Internal Audit function
* Business Continuity Planning/Reputational Incident Management
* Insurance provision at all campuses and claims support
* Anti-Fraud and Ethical Business policy development and training
Key Duties & Responsibilities
* To protect the University’s interests and obtain the best commercial outcomes and value-for-money for the University.
* Review, draft, advise on, and negotiate a range of commercial contracts covering the full spectrum of commercial related activities, including complex commercial and non-commercial collaborations, contracts and consortium agreements, along with studentships, NDAs, consultancy and material transfer agreements, contracts for goods and services, and other agreements as directed.
* Assist with and conduct as required dispute resolution, both pursuer and defender, as required.
* Assist with and provide as required training to internal stakeholders to improve understanding regarding contractual obligations and processes.
* Maintain proper record keeping.
* Interpret legislation or regulations, or relevant changes and updates to those, as it pertains to HWU and the HWU Group, and process the necessary changes to internal policies, procedures, and guidance.
* Provide high quality reports to the University Executive, and relevant internal governance committees.
* Support the assurance team in the handling of insurance and/or civil claims against the University.
* Liaise with external solicitors/counsel in complex cases.
* Interact with internal and external clients to negotiate agreements as appropriate.
* Provide cover for the other members of the Legal or Assurance Services team during times of holidays, absence and others, as required.
* Assist with the performance of due diligence.
* Such other duties or changes to the above duties as may be required from time to time to support the achievement of objectives in service delivery.
Essential & Desirable Criteria
Essential
1. Scots qualified solicitor with full unrestricted practising certificate from the Law Society of Scotland.
2. At least 2 years PQE.
3. Experience of working within a similar environment as outlined above.
4. Proven relevant experience in commercial contracts and demonstrable substantial professional expertise in legal, contractual fields.
5. Excellent interpersonal, influencing and presentation skills, able to understand and communicate complex issues effectively.
6. Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment.
7. Experience of working closely with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation.
8. High level organisational skills with the ability to prioritise major developments and to function effectively in a pressured environment.
9. Demonstrable strong ethical standards with a commitment to being present and engaged in the workplace.
10. Ability to work professionally and effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
1. A good understanding of and/or previous experience of working within the Higher Education Sector, charity and other highly regulated sectors, including FOISA and public sector environments.
2. Experience working internationally across different legal jurisdictions.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Thursday 26th March 2026.
Pleasesubmit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers.
Use our total rewards calculator to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.
About Heriot-Watt University
At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
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