Recruitment advert for Senior Legal Counsel, Commercial & IP

The Role

The Legal Services Division at the University of Cambridge is seeking to recruit a senior commercial lawyer to work within the commercial, corporate and IP team. As a guide you will be senior and experienced in a broad range of expertise across a wide variety of commercial areas relevant to the HE sector (which might be export control, data protection, procurement, intellectual property and national security matters). The role will involve providing internal clients with accessible, clear, pragmatic and robust advice at all levels within the University (without supervision) and will have supervisory responsibility for more junior members of staff. It also entails the role of Copyright Officer for the University.

The Team & Our Work

Join a dynamic and inspiring group of talented lawyers and administrative professionals who thrive in a collaborative and supportive environment. Our team handles an exceptionally diverse and intriguing range of legal matters, offering you the chance to apply and sharpen your skills in addressing complex challenges within a vibrant and stimulating setting. Each day will bring new experiences and opportunities. You will build strong relationships and gain confidence working with a broad network of staff across the University. As a trusted and respected internal resource, you will provide reliable guidance and help position the Division as a key strategic partner within the organisation. Our team is in an exciting phase of growth and reshaping, offering a unique opportunity to be part of and contribute to its dynamic development.

The University

You will be part of a world-leading institution renowned for its commitment to education, learning, and research at the highest international standards of excellence. For over 800 years the University of Cambridge has been nurturing and developing incredible talent, creating legends and visionaries. Our people have changed the course of history, many times. When it comes to teaching, learning and research, we are world-leading, ground-breaking and have a reputation for excellence. As a key member of the professional services team, you will play a crucial role in helping the University fulfil its mission to contribute to society and make a positive impact on the world. Your work will be meaningful and impactful, driving forward the University's goals and making a tangible difference to the world. Nurturing talent is what we do, and we think you will learn a lot while you are here with us.

About You & The Role

We are looking for someone who:

• is a team player who embraces change; is excited to make impact and share their ideas with a new and growing team; is ambitious and keen to learn new things; and wants to learn and be stretched in order to develop and grow as a lawyer;
• works effectively under pressure, exercising autonomy, judgement, and initiative;
• displays meticulous attention to detail and demonstrates an aptitude for rapid learning; and
• wants to be involved in the trial and implementation of new technology adoption to contribute to the vision of building a best-in-class legal function for the University.

We will expect you to have significant experience:

• post-qualification, in private practice or in-house, particularly within a large, complex organisation;
• providing legal advice on a broad range of commercial matters;
• drafting, reviewing, advising on and negotiating a wide variety of non-standard agreements and resolving commercial disputes;
• identifying, assessing, and managing legal risks, taking into account matters ancillary to one's area of expertise;
• advising on international matters and collaborations;
• working independently and managing substantial matters without supervision;
• supervising other legal professionals;
• delivering training and designing legal resources, guidance, and templates for a diverse, non-legal audience; and
• advising and influencing senior stakeholders with confidence and gravitas.

We would prefer to make a full time appointment but are open to considering part-time or compressed working arrangements. Our approach to flexible working values both face-to-face engagement and personal freedom, and reflects contemporary practices. You and your manager will work together to tailor an arrangement that best suits your preferences and our business needs.

For a full role description and details of the available reward and benefits package, refer to the attached Further Particulars document.

Please apply with CV and cover letter.

Advert close date Wednesday 30th October 2024

Informal candidate stakeholder meetings (virtual) will be held w/c 11th November 2024

Interviews will be held on Friday 22nd November 2024 and / or Thursday 28th November 2024. We recommend holding these dates in your diary in the event you are invited to interview.