Commercial Legal Advisor

The University of West London (UWL) is a dynamic and highly-regarded institution, consistently recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence. With impressive rankings in The Guardian University Guide and The Times/The Sunday Times Good University Guide, UWL is a modern university that fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for both its diverse student body and dedicated staff. This dedication to success and progression is at the heart of the university's values.

Within this thriving academic community, the Legal Services department operates as a proactive, customer-focused, and collaborative team. They provide essential, pragmatic legal advice and support across a broad spectrum of matters, including compliance, student welfare, risk management, dispute resolution, commercial agreements, international collaborations, and research funding. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the smooth operation of a leading university.

Opportunity Highlights for Potential Candidates:

• Broad Exposure to Diverse Contracts: This role is an exceptional platform for gaining hands-on experience with a wide array of commercial and educational contracts. You will be involved in reviewing, negotiating, drafting, and advising on agreements that underpin the university's core business.
• Dynamic and Fast-Paced Environment: The university setting is inherently dynamic. This position will provide exposure to a constantly evolving landscape, demanding adaptability and a proactive approach to managing your contractual workload, often under tight deadlines.
• Comprehensive Contractual Experience: The scope of contracts you will manage is extensive, encompassing areas such as commercial activities, research funding and collaborations (both domestic and international), academic partnerships, student contracts, apprenticeships, knowledge exchange, software licenses, and procurement.
• Key Legal Considerations: You will develop a deep understanding of critical legal considerations including consumer law, data protection, confidentiality, intellectual property, safeguarding, equality law, jurisdictional issues, and overall legal and regulatory compliance.
• Career Growth and Development: This role is ideally suited for newly qualified solicitors or non-qualified individuals with substantial commercial contract experience looking to deepen their expertise within the higher education sector. The breadth of work provides significant opportunities for professional development.
• Contribution to a Valued Institution: By joining UWL's Legal Services, you will be directly contributing to the university's mission of providing excellent education and fostering an environment of success and achievement for its students and staff.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Proactive and Service-Oriented Mindset: The Legal Services team thrives on being dedicated and customer-focused. A "can-do" attitude and a genuine desire to provide excellent service will be highly valued.
• Stakeholder Engagement: The role requires the ability to confidently and effectively interact with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, fostering strong working relationships.
• Contractual Proficiency: Strong demonstrable experience in drafting, reviewing, and advising on contracts is essential.
• Organizational Skills: The ability to manage your own workload, prioritize competing deadlines, and work efficiently, even under pressure, is crucial.
• Attention to Detail: Given the critical nature of legal work, excellent analytical skills and a meticulous attention to detail are paramount.
• Independent Work Ethic: While part of a collegiate team, you will also be expected to work independently, demonstrating initiative and the ability to manage tasks effectively.
• Administration Component: The role includes managing the university's contract database and organizing meetings, requiring solid administrative capabilities.

This position represents a significant opportunity for legal professionals to advance their careers within a reputable and forward-thinking university. The comprehensive experience gained, combined with the supportive environment, makes this a compelling prospect for ambitious individuals.