Interim Senior Legal Counsel

6 Months fixed term

Background of Department/Role
Are you a practising lawyer and experienced problem solver who enjoys working independently on various complex and strategic projects and as part of a team? If so, CCCU has a fixed-term role in its Governance and Legal Services team that could be for you. You will oversee the provision of legal advice and support and manage ‘legal’ risk concerning commercial, academic, student and consumer-related matters.

The Opportunity
In this role, you will be the primary point of contact and lead GLS’ day-to-day delivery of legal services to stakeholders. You will foster the team’s excellent working relationship with various key University teams by providing expert, high-quality and professional solution-oriented legal advice to support the University’s strategic aims.

Working independently as well as part of the team, you will advise on collaboration agreements with UK and non-UK partners, agreements relating to the procurement of goods and services, recruitment of students to courses, dispute resolution and litigation, matters relating to students as ‘consumers of education’, student placement and work experience agreements. You will be a senior member of GLS. You will work closely and collaboratively with key teams such as the Senior Management Team and various departments across the University.

You will combine your technical expertise with a very human approach and communicate technical and legal concepts in a way that engages people working at different levels of the University. You will train colleagues, promote best practice across the University, maintain a repository of template agreements and ensure the University manages its legal risks effectively, which complies with its legal, statutory and regulatory obligations.

Who are we looking for?
We are excited to hear from qualified lawyers with outstanding drafting and communication skills who can provide client-focused and practical legal advice. An ability to analyse complex issues, make decisions independently and build and maintain effective working relationships inside and outside the University is key. 

Significant knowledge and experience in preparing, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts for senior internal and external stakeholders is essential. The role holder is not expected to be a specialist in all legal disciplines but will need to show substantial experience advising on a wide variety of commercial contracts, IP law and a capability for quickly understanding and leading on all legal matters within their remit. Excellent knowledge and experience in advising clients on pervasive legal considerations such as contract, company, consumer and data protection law, legal practice, dispute resolution, and litigation are essential.

Working at CCCU
Our compassionate and dynamic university strives to transform lives through outstanding higher education. We offer a supportive working environment, friendly colleagues, flexible working opportunities, an occupational pension scheme and the use of university facilities such as the library and fitness centre.

How to apply
Closing date for applications: 02/05/2024.
Interview date: 09/05/2024.

If you require further information regarding the post please feel free to contact Natalie Wright at natalie.wright@canterbury.ac.uk (strictly no agencies, thank you) quoting reference number REQ4568.

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