Solicitor

University of the West of Scotland – University Secretary’s Office

Paisley Campus

Part time: 21 hours per week

We are currently recruiting for a part-time Solicitor to support the Legal Services team working on research, commercial and education matters. We are seeking a proactive and organised individual with a flexible and adaptable approach to work.

In this interesting and varied role you will be required to support the Head of Legal Services in providing high quality legal advice to the University.  This will include drafting and negotiating a range of standard contracts and providing legal advice on a variety of University projects.

The majority of the work in this role relates to the review of commercial contracts so some experience in that area would be preferred. However, candidates with other relevant experience will be considered and training can be provided. Applications from newly or recently qualified solicitors would be welcome.

The post is based at our Paisley campus although consideration would be given to be being based at our Lanarkshire or Ayr campuses for part of the week if this was preferable to the post-holder.

The role is 21 hours a week and there is flexibility in the days and times these hours are worked.

The successful candidate should have the following:

• Law degree
• A current practising certificate with the Law Society of Scotland or the Law Society of England and Wales.
• Knowledge and experience of at least two relevant areas of law (governance, charity law, commercial property, employment, contract law, international partnerships or intellectual property).

About us

The University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others.

UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2024 Young University Rankings)

Our professional services teams are the backbone of UWS, providing robust and innovative solutions to support the vast range of work across learning and teaching, and research and innovation. You will join a supportive and dedicated team, playing a key role in a range of work that will help drive forward our ambition to deliver world-leading research, and graduates who will design, shape and build a new future.

For an informal discussion please contact Emma Cuckow, Head of Legal Services emma.cuckow@uws.ac.uk

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 24 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme  
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Interview Date: Week commencing 8^th December 2025

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided).

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk

UWS are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520