Legal Counsel
Posted 4 days 9 hours ago by Pertemps
Legal Counsellor
Job Title: Legal Counsel
Location: Milton Keynes (Hybrid / Remote)
Salary: £47,389 - £56,535 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Closing Date: 12 November 2025
Contract Type: Permanent
Join The Open University:Pertemps are proud to be working with The Open University, the UK's largest university and a global leader in flexible, part time higher education. The OU combines world class teaching with a powerful mission to make education accessible to all - transforming lives through learning.
About the Role:As a member of the Legal Services team, you will work alongside experienced in house lawyers to provide expert legal advice across a wide range of University activities. You will support research, teaching, and commercial operations, ensuring compliance and mitigating legal risks.
You will be responsible for:- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of legal agreements, including those for goods and services, consultancy, research funding, academic collaborations nationally and internationally, and data sharing agreements.
- Research and advise on legal, compliance and governance issues, and support the implementation of best practice.
- Advise on contentious matters and disputes, prepare related documents, and manage external legal support when required.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including those set by the Office for Students and the Competition and Markets Authority.
- Provide legal advice on intellectual property matters such as copyright, trademarks and domain rights.
- Support the procurement team on tendering, contract drafting and compliance with procurement law and internal procedures.
- Advise on the legal aspects of student appeals and complaints processes.
- Carry out other duties relevant to the level and scope of the role.
We are looking for a confident and collaborative legal professional who enjoys problem solving in a dynamic academic setting.
You will bring:- A Qualified Solicitor (or equivalent) with a minimum of 2 years' PQE.
- Strong experience in contract drafting and negotiation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal matters clearly.
- The ability to prioritise, manage deadlines, and maintain quality under pressure.
- A proactive, adaptable and team focused approach, with sensitivity to client needs.
- Competence in using Microsoft Office and a willingness to embrace new technologies.
- Experience within higher education or public sector.
- Understanding of governance, compliance, or public procurement law (Procurement Act 2023).
This role is hybrid, combining home working with attendance at the Milton Keynes campus as required. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a values driven organisation with a powerful mission: widening access to education and transforming lives. The Open University offers a supportive, inclusive, and flexible working environment, committed to diversity and equity.