Senior Legal Counsel, Commercial & IP

The Role

The Legal Services Division at the University of Cambridge is seeking to recruit a senior commercial solicitor to work within the commercial, corporate and IP team. 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 advising internal clients at all levels within the University (without supervision) and will have supervisory responsibility for more junior members of staff. It also incorporates the role of Copyright Officer for the University. As a guide, we think the role will suit a candidate with at least 5 years PQE.

The Team & Our Work

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 in a vibrant setting. Each day will bring new experiences and opportunities. You will establish strong relationships and build confidence working with a broad network of staff across the University. As a trusted and respected internal resource, you will 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 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 the University of Cambridge has been nurturing and developing incredible talent, creating legends and visionaries. Our people have changed the course of history, many times. As a key member of the University's professional services, 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 to the world. Nurturing talent is what we do, and we think you will learn a lot while you are here with us.

About You & The Role

We are looking for someone who:

¿ is a team player who embraces change;

¿ is excited to make impact and share their ideas with a new and growing team;

¿ is ambitious and keen to learn new things, and wants to be stretched in order to develop and grow as a lawyer;

¿ works effectively under pressure, exercising autonomy, judgement, and initiative;

¿ displays meticulous attention to detail and demonstrates an aptitude for rapid learning; and

¿ is eager to be involved in the trial and implementation of new technology to contribute to the vision of building a best-in-class legal function for the University.

We will 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 and collaborations;

¿ working independently and managing substantial matters without supervision;

¿ supervising other legal professionals; and

¿ delivering training and designing legal resources, guidance, and templates for a diverse, non legal audience.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

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.

Please quote reference AY41438 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a standard Disclosure and Barring Service check.

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

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information
Apply online