University Counsel Commercial Affairs

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity for an early career lawyer with experience in advising on a broad range of legal topics, and an interest in the Higher Education sector, to play an important role in the Legal & Regulatory Affairs team at one of the world’s leading universities.

Imperial College London’s Legal & Regulatory Affairs team is a growing and well-respected function within Professional Services. The purpose of the team is to support the achievement of the University’s objectives by delivering at pace consistently excellent legal advice across the broad range of activities. The legal issues are often complex and sensitive and span a variety of subject areas; for example: contract and commercial law, consumer law, freedom of speech and intellectual property law.

Team members work collaboratively with all stakeholders to deliver pragmatic, robust, solutions-focused advice. We offer an appealing work/life balance with very minimal evening/weekend work.

The post will be line managed by the Deputy Legal Director (Corporate Affairs).

Duties and responsibilities

You will:

• Provide high-quality, pragmatic legal advice, with supervision as appropriate.
• With appropriate supervision, as required, support the review, negotiation, drafting, interpretation and enforcement of a range of commercial agreements including (among others) education services agreements, sponsorship and grant agreements, collaboration, partnership and joint venture agreements, financing and investment agreements, complex procurement contracts, student terms and conditions and the terms of various ancillary services provided by Imperial.
• Assist with contract disputes, with specialist support from external lawyers where appropriate.
• Assist on technology transfer and IP-related matters (as escalated by the University’s Research Office or Imperial’s commercialisation subsidiary).
• Advise upon, with supervision as required, matters such as the restructuring of Imperial group subsidiaries, share issuances and capital reductions.

Essential requirements

• A minimum of degree level education or equivalent experience.
• Qualified as a solicitor or barrister.
• Current Practising Certificate to practise law in England & Wales.
• PQE advising on a broad range of subject areas.
• Experience of working effectively within a team.
• Proven experience of reviewing and drafting a wide range of contracts with varying complexities at pace and of delivering high quality, practical legal advice at pace on a broad range of topics in relation to them.
• Experience of managing a diverse portfolio of tasks. 
• Proficient use of IT systems and software.
• An understanding of the law combined with the ability and confidence to apply legal principles to unfamiliar subject areas to be able to advise across a broad range of matters at pace.
• Able and willing to work flexibly and respond to changing priorities.
• Clear ability to analyse and evaluate often complex data to identify risks and make well considered, pragmatic decisions that demonstrate reliable legal judgement.
• Excellent communication skills, with demonstrable ability to explain complex legal matters in a clear, concise way, both orally and in writing.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Work as an effective team player with colleagues from across the University to achieve the University aims and objectives.
• Be approachable and build a strong interpersonal relationships.
• Resilient and highly organised with the ability to maintain effective performance in challenging circumstances, encouraging others to do the same.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development, including leadership, management and people skills.

Further information

To discuss this role please contact Anna Cosgrave (a.cosgrave@imperial.ac.uk).

Closes: 22^nd July 2024

Advert information