Senior In-House Counsel / Solicitor

Your new employer
The vision of Bournemouth University is to be recognised worldwide as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge, and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice.

This strategic post will provide legal professional support to the University in its development and implementation of the University's strategy to increase externally funded research and knowledge exchange activity.

Your new role

• lead on the drafting and review of research and knowledge exchange contracts and other related education contracts including collaboration agreements with other parties.
• lead on the provision of legal advice to enable the University to achieve its aims of increasing externally funded research and knowledge exchange activity.
• provide senior level input to the development and delivery of the University's plans and related guidance to enable the University to respond to and comply with changes in the regulatory environment affecting research and knowledge exchange and to increase the sustainability of its income through its participation in large complex, often innovative projects and partnerships, yet effectively manage the risks of doing so.
• keep abreast of legal, contract and intellectual property developments to ensure up to date knowledge for the proper performance of the role.
• lead cross-University working to ensure consistency and excellence collaborating with staff in Faculties and other Professional Services on research and knowledge exchange contracting.
• ensure that contracting policies, review and negotiation protect the interests of the University as a charity and ensure value.
• provide mentoring, training, advice and guidance to staff and establish standard templates, standard operating procedures and guidance to support their role.
• supervise and directly line manage staff in the Legal Services and Corporate Governance Team.
• deputise for and represent the Head of Legal Services and Corporate Governance in respect of matters relating to research and knowledge exchange contracts, including externally.
• work collaboratively with the University Executive Team and the Legal Services and Corporate Governance team to manage legal and regulatory risk across a diverse remit.
• undertake such other legal work as required from time to time to support the University, its subsidiary companies, the Board and the Legal Services and Corporative Governance team.

What you\'ll need to succeed

• Fully qualified solicitor or barrister qualified to practice in England with sufficient PQE in the jurisdiction to supervise others
• Knowledge and experience of providing legal advice on contracts and related risks
• Knowledge and experience of providing legal advice on research and knowledge exchange contracts is desirable but not essential as strong commercial contracting skills may be adapted
• Knowledge and experience of providing legal advice on intellectual property law
• Exemplary written skills including the ability to deliver concise and accurate advice and high-quality contract drafting, and experience of drafting and amending complex legal documentation including contracts are essential
• Sufficient legal knowledge and experience to enable a fast grasp of new and emerging areas of specialism as required by the University's diverse remit
• Exemplary verbal communication skills including delivering advice and complex information in an accessible manner
• Ability to identify and apply creative solutions in negotiations, often in the absence of any relevant precedent, and rapidly analyse and manage legal aspects of deals and issues on a critical path are essential
• Experience of supporting and/or managing others in the provision of legal advice, and effective teamworking with strong interpersonal skill, can be solution focused with a positive and collaborative attitude
• Effective management and supervision skills
• Experience of developing and managing policy and procedures
• Willingness and ability to be flexible and develop new expertise, and Proficient IT skills including the ability to adapt to new systems quickly

Benefits

• Salary range between £64,914 and £79,831, offer depends on experience.
• 30 days holidays+ bank holidays+ Christmas Closure period+ parental leave policy
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working pattern (minimum 2 days in the office per week)
• Entitled to membership of Local Government Pension Scheme (employer contribution currently 18% of your pensionable pay)

BU values and is committed to an inclusive working environment. We seek a diverse community through attracting, developing and retaining staff from different backgrounds to contribute to inspirational learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society.

What you need to do now
If working in a vibrant organisation bringing positive value to society excites you, please email your updated CV with your current salary, desired salary, notice period and post code. Job ref.

If this job isn\'t quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact me for a confidential discussion about your career.

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