Deputy Director Legal Services

King’s College London is one of the world’s leading universities, renowned for its excellence in research, education and impact. The Office of the Chairman and College Secretariat (OCCS) plays a critical role in supporting governance, assurance and strategic decision-making. Bringing together Governance, Legal Services, and Audit & Assurance, OCCS works closely with senior leadership, including the Chair of Council and the Vice-Chancellor & President, ensuring the University operates with integrity, accountability and compliance across an increasingly complex landscape.

This is an exciting opportunity to join as Deputy Director of Legal Services, working closely with the General Counsel, Director of Legal Services to lead and shape the University’s legal function. You will oversee the delivery of high-quality, risk-based legal advice across the institution, supporting senior management, faculties and professional services on a wide range of matters. Alongside managing a complex and varied caseload, you will play a key role in areas such as regulatory risk, dispute resolution and strategic negotiations, while also leading the in-house legal team and managing relationships with external legal advisers.

This role offers a unique platform to operate at the centre of a globally recognised institution, influencing high-level decision-making and contributing to the University’s strategic ambitions. It provides the opportunity to work on complex, high-profile legal matters within a collaborative and purpose-driven environment, while helping to shape a modern, responsive legal service that supports the University’s continued success.

The successful candidate will be a qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales, with significant post-qualification experience across a broad range of legal areas. You will bring experience of leading and developing teams, alongside excellent technical legal skills and the ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice to senior stakeholders. A proactive, adaptable approach and the confidence to navigate competing priorities and emerging challenges will be essential.

For further information, please visit the  job description and for an informal conversation, please contact Matthew Granger or Jamie Surgenor within the King’s Search Team at  kings-search@kcl.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is 12.00hrs on Tuesday 9th June with final interview in late June/early July.

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