Solicitor

About the role

We are seeking a skilled and pragmatic Solicitor to join our Legal, Governance and Information Assurance Services team. In this pivotal role, you will provide risk-based legal advice across a wide range of areas including commercial contracts, academic collaborations, data protection, property matters, and student-related issues. You will be responsible for managing your own caseload, drafting and negotiating agreements, and advising senior staff on legal developments that may impact the University's operations. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external legal advisors, you will ensure the University receives sound, cost-effective legal support that aligns with our strategic goals.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the University's mission by supporting its academic and non-academic activities with expert legal guidance. You will also play a key role in enhancing legal awareness across the institution, delivering training and developing templates and policies that promote compliance and good governance. Your work will help ensure the University meets its legal obligations and maintains its reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking institution.

Start date is as soon as possible.

About you

You will be a UK-qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate and substantial experience in legal practice relevant to the higher education sector. Your ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice on complex legal matters-often under pressure-will be essential. A strong understanding of areas such as data protection, intellectual property, and procurement law is important, as is the flexibility to quickly acquire knowledge in new legal domains. You will also need excellent drafting skills and the confidence to manage client expectations and challenge external advice when necessary.

We are looking for someone who can communicate complex legal concepts effectively to a wide range of audiences and who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. An understanding of the governance and ethical frameworks within which universities operate would be advantageous, as would experience in drafting policies and guidance. At Leicester, we value inclusivity, inspiration, and impact, and we are committed to creating a diverse and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Elizabeth Warhurst at

As part of the University's ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people's lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you'll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We're committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Vacancy terms

Full-time, fixed term contract for 1 year or until the postholder returns