Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel

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Organising Institution / Firm

The Open University

Rolling Basis (Official)

Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom

Qualified Solicitor or equivalent with a minimum of 2 years’ post qualification experience in a legal role, preferably in the higher education and/or charity sectors.

Law Firm Job

Full Opportunity Brief

Contextual Overview

The Open University is hiring a full-time Legal Counsel to join its in-house legal team based in Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom. The role involves supporting teaching, research, commercial partnerships, and strategic initiatives across the university by delivering high-quality legal advice.

Key Eligibility Criteria

• Qualified Solicitor or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE) in a legal role.
• Experience in higher education and/or charity sectors is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage workload under time pressure and adapt to client needs.

Responsibilities & Scope of Work

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legal agreements (goods and services, consultancy, research funding, national and international academic collaborations, and data sharing).
• Undertaking legal, compliance, and governance research.
• Advising on legally contentious matters, disputes, and managing outsourced litigation.
• Assuring compliance with Office for Students, Competition and Markets Authority, and public procurement requirements.
• Providing advice on intellectual property (copyright, trademarks, and internet domain rights) and student appeals/complaints.

Stipend, Compensation & Mode

Base Pay Range: £47,389.00/yr - £56,535.00/yr (paid annually, alongside comprehensive benefits including 33 days annual leave, pension scheme, and staff fee waivers).

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