Legal Counsel

at  Birmingham City University

LEGAL COUNSEL

Department
Legal Services and Compliance
Location
Joseph Priestley Building
Salary
£57,811 to £62,838 Plus 20% market supplement - Total salary £69,373.20 per annum.
Permanent
Post Type
Full Time
Release Date
27 August 2024
Closing Date
23.59 hours BST on Monday 23 September 2024
Interview Date
To be confirmed
Reference
052024-189-R
Legal Services is seeking an experienced solicitor to join our team at the University as a Legal Counsel. You will be responsible for providing advice on commercial and procurement and will be taking a proactive role in this area within the team.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• You will be an experienced and qualified solicitor. Experience of advising on commercial and procurement matters is essential along with negotiating and drafting large and high value contracts.
• Experience of working in house in a university or local authority and a knowledge of procurement within a charitable context would be highly advantageous but not essential.
• Overall, we are a seeking an individual who will be able to hit the ground running and provide high quality, accurate legal advice with minimal supervision, along with the ability to manage a complex caseload.

FURTHER DETAILS:

Job Description

ABOUT THE ROLE:

You will join a dynamic a team of talented legal and administrative professionals who thrive in a collaborative and supportive environment. Legal Services handles a very diverse and complex range of legal matters. However, you will be mainly advising on commercial and procurement matters, working closely with a range of internal stakeholders. You will have experience of providing advice on commercial and procurement matters as well as experience of procurement regulations. You will also be able to review high volumes of agreements at pace and provide concise clear advice to a range of stakeholders at all levels.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To provide advice on a range of commercial and procurement matters including but not limited to contract terms and conditions, call off and framework agreements, procurement and commercial disputes.
• Drafting and where required negotiation a range of commercial and procurement contracts.
• To conduct assigned matters including civil claims, legal proceedings, regulatory and or criminal allegations involving BCU as a direct or interested party. To provide specialist advice and recommendations (on either contractual and commercial risk or regulatory, administrative and governance matters) to the appropriate University bodies in relation to the implications of existing or emerging legislation and regulation that impacts or may impact on the University and on the means by which legislative and regulatory compliance can most effectively be secured, working with other professional departments to develop overall strategy, procedures and processes to meet emerging requirements.
• To develop and recommend legal solutions to meet business requirements and ensure that these are owned by, and effectively implemented by line management. Encourage managers to take ownership of their legal issues and develop their confidence in this area.
• To develop and maintain appropriate and up to date BCU contract precedent banks taking into account of existing or emerging legislation and regulation.
• To develop and maintain central contract registers and reporting, utilising the team case management system.
• Assist with the development, implementation and maintenance of effective governance arrangements including drafting, reviews and implementation of BCU policies and procedures relating to the relevant area of responsibility.
• Represent Legal Services and participate in working groups, committees and other meetings across the University.
• Provide support and guidance for members of the Legal Services team.
• Ensure managers are advised of forthcoming legislative changes and equipped with the skills and knowledge to apply them.
• Organise and where appropriate deliver training in relation to the specific areas of responsibility