Senior Legal Counsel, Commercial & IP

Location: Legal Services Division, Old Schools, Trinity Street, Cambridge, CB2 1TN 

The Role

Legal Services at the University of Cambridge is seeking to recruit a senior commercial lawyer to work within the commercial, corporate and IP team. As a guide you will be senior and experienced in a broad range of expertise across a wide variety of commercial areas relevant to the HE sector (which might be export control, data protection, procurement, intellectual property and national security matters). The role will involve providing internal clients with accessible, clear, pragmatic and robust advice at all levels within the University (without supervision) and will have supervisory responsibility for more junior members of staff.  It also entails the role of Copyright Officer for the University.

The Team

Join a dynamic and inspiring group of talented lawyers and administrative professionals who thrive in a collaborative and supportive environment. Our team handles an exceptionally diverse and intriguing range of legal matters, offering you the chance to apply and sharpen your skills in addressing complex challenges within a vibrant and stimulating setting. You will build strong relationships and gain confidence working with a broad network of staff across the University. As a trusted and respected internal resource, you will provide reliable guidance and help position the Division as a key strategic partner within the organisation. Our team is in an exciting phase of growth and reshaping, offering a unique opportunity to be part of and contribute to its dynamic development.

The University

You will be part of a world-leading institution renowned for its commitment to education, learning, and research at the highest international standards of excellence. For over 800 years we've been nurturing and developing talent. Our people have changed the course of history, many times. We are world-leading, ground-breaking and have a reputation for excellence. As a key member of the professional services team, you will play a crucial role in helping the University fulfil its mission to contribute to society and make a positive impact on the world. Your work will be meaningful and impactful, driving forward the University's goals and making a tangible difference. Nurturing talent is what we do, and you will learn a lot while you are here with us.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a team player who embraces change; is excited to make impact and share their ideas with the team; is ambitious and keen to learn new things; wants to learn and be stretched in order to develop and grow as a lawyer;
• Works effectively under pressure, exercising autonomy, judgement and initiative;
• Displays attention to detail and demonstrates an aptitude for rapid learning; and
• Wants to be involved in the trial and implementation of new technology adoption to contribute to building a best-in-class legal function for the University.

We expect you to have significant experience:

• Post-qualification, in private practice or in-house, particularly within a large, complex organisation;
• Providing legal advice on a broad range of commercial matters;
• Drafting, reviewing, advising on and negotiating a wide variety of non-standard agreements and resolving commercial disputes;
• Identifying, assessing, and managing legal risks, taking into account matters ancillary to one's area of expertise;
• Advising on international matters / collaborations;
• Working independently, managing substantial matters without supervision;
• Supervising other legal professionals;
• Delivering training and designing legal resources, guidance, and templates for a diverse, non-legal audience; and
• Advising and influencing senior stakeholders with confidence.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the 'Apply' button above. 

We would prefer to make a full time appointment but are open to considering part-time or compressed working arrangements. Our approach to flexible working values both face-to-face engagement and personal freedom, and reflects contemporary practices. You and your manager will work together to tailor an arrangement that best suits your preferences and our business needs.

For a full role description and details of the available reward and benefits package, refer to the Further Particulars document.

Please apply with your CV and cover letter.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.