- Stimulating & unique workload of contentious, non-contentious and policy matters
- Competitive benefits & hybrid working open to discuss part-time/flexible working
About Our Client
Ranked as one of the most prestigious Universities in the world the University of Oxford provides world-class research and education to benefit society on a local, regional, national and global scale. Oxford's researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts.
The University's strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing their staff body with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work.
Recognising that diversity is a key strength, vital for innovation and creativity, it aspires to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual's unique contribution. While University of Oxford has long traditions of scholarship, it is also forward-looking, creative and cutting-edge.
Oxford is one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities and it ranks first in the UK for university spin-outs, with more than 130 companies created to date.
Job Description
- Provide legal advice and guidance to the University on a broad range of higher education issues across the range of the University's activities
- Develop the skills needed to advise in the rapidly evolving area of education law
- Provide advice on the interpretation and application of the University's statutes and regulations, on any proposed revisions, and to influence policy and decision-making at the highest level
- Provide advice and assistance in the formulation and drafting of policies and procedures in response to changing legislative and regulatory frameworks and the business needs of the University
- Monitor trends and changes in relevant law and guidance and to disseminate key developments to relevant staff in an appropriate format
- Understand the internal structures of the collegiate University, identifying and working with key stakeholders in relation to any strategy, policy, or legal matter
- Design and deliver in depth training to University staff outside of the Legal Services Group
- Present highly specialist information or complex solutions to management which may include Heads of Department/Divisions
- Advise on early stage disputes
- Represent the Legal Services Office in contributing to University policy in areas relevant to the post-holder's field of work
- Play an active role in developing networks and managing relationships with external lawyers
- Monitor the ongoing direction of legal work, allocation of internal resources, and any costs incurred through outsourcing of legal work
The Successful Applicant
- Qualified solicitor or barrister, admitted to practise in England & Wales
- This role would suit a solicitor who has recently qualified or who is looking to make a transition from private practice to an in-house environment
- Has experience in, or has a willingness to develop expertise in, legal areas pertinent to the role including: education law, public law, litigation, equality law and information law.
- Able to articulate legal principles and concepts clearly and concisely both in writing and orally
- Able to research and advise on unfamiliar legal issues effectively
- Pragmatic and able to provide solution-focused advice
- An excellent communicator and able to liaise effectively and efficiently with a range of stakeholders, inspiring confidence when providing advice
- Able to understand and translate complex scenarios
- Able to work with high levels of autonomy whilst also participating fully as part of a larger legal function
- Knowledge of working within a higher education establishment would be beneficial but not essential
What's on Offer
- Hybrid working and competitive benefits including a generous annual leave allowance and defined benefit pension scheme
- Access to legal professionals who are leaders in their respective fields
- A cohesive and highly-functioning legal department
Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.
How to apply
Please click the Enquire/Apply button below and complete the email application.
Closing date: 31 December 23
For further information or to apply for the position please select the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.
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