Director of Legal Services and University Solicitor

FTE: 1.0FTE (working 37 hours per week)

Salary: AM5 - £89,927 pa with potential to progress to £95,129 pa by annual increments and on achieving designated skills and experience 

Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: College Lane campus, Hatfield, University of Hertfordshire 

We are recruiting for a Director of Legal Services and University Solicitor to lead our University’s Legal and Compliance Services Team, based within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor (OVC).

You'll be joining us at an exhilarating time as we embark on our new Strategic Plan for 2025-30. Enjoy the flexibility of our working location principles, with the expectation of spending at least two days a week on our vibrant Hatfield campus, or as business needs demand. This role provides a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact and advance your career with us. Apply now and be part of our exciting journey.  

Main duties and responsibilities 

You will be the first point of contact for all staff with any legal issues or legal problems arising from the work of the University and its group of companies. You will be proactive in advising on compliance with current and arising legal and regulatory requirements, working closely with members of the Vice Chancellor’s and Chief Executive Group to assist the University in meeting its strategic priorities.   

Providing a full range of commercial contractual law services, including advice, negotiation, and drafting of contracts for commercial contracts with third-party suppliers; legally binding tenders for new contracts; agreements with UK and overseas partners and agents; education supply agreements; IPR agreements and licenses; contracts with University subsidiary companies; intra-group governance agreements; property leases and purchase/disposal agreements; software and service level agreements; finance agreements; placement and student exchange agreements, research and grant agreements; and documents for dispute resolution, including court/Tribunal and alternative dispute resolution documents. 

A key element will be to advise on compliance in areas such as data protection (including GDPR) and Freedom of Information; equality legislation; charity law and higher education regulatory requirements.

Skills and experience required

You will have extensive post-qualification practice experience and first-class legal skills and experience, including in drafting, negotiation, influencing and advising on all aspects of contracts, law and compliance. You will have proven experience in and ability to explain and communicate complex legal concepts and constructs to non-specialists. You will be able to prepare and deliver legal training and have experience of supervising other lawyers including trainees. You will also have excellent organisation and planning, written and oral communication, and analytical and problem solving skills.

*Qualifications required

You will be educated with an Honours Degree and have appropriate legal qualifications (solicitor/barrister).

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work before an offer is made. 

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Helen Davidson, h.davidson2@herts.ac.uk

Closing Date: 09 March 2025 

Interview Date: TBC

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button.

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