Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”
Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.
In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.
The Role
There is one post available and this is offered as a permanent opportunity - either full-time, or at least 0.8 FTE part-time.
Interviews will take place in person at the end of August, the expected interview dates are 27/ 28 August 2026.
Reporting directly to the Director of Legal Services & Deputy Chief Financial Officer, the Senior Lawyer role is responsible for performing in-house legal work at a senior level and acting as a business partner to key University teams. The role requires the post-holder to handle a demanding workload which includes novel and imaginative treatment of contracts and compliance/commercial issues plus contributing expertise to the training and case-management of other University staff. No staff are managed by this post.
About the Team
The Senior Lawyer is an integral part of the University’s Legal Services team which is registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority as a professional legal practice, in the same way as other practising firms of Solicitors. The team fronts most of the legal work arising from the University's varied activities such as contract and procurement issues (contract is a principal feature of much of the work), administrative law (e.g. natural justice, challenge to decisions), common law liability, statutory compliance (e.g. with Charities Act 2011, Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR, Human Rights Act 1998, Equality Act 2010) and the University’s various capacities (e.g. employer, higher education provider, shareholder, tenant, premises licensing).
What Will I Be Doing?
- Performing senior in-house legal work concerning matters like contract and procurement, statutory compliance (e.g. with data protection or consumer law), intellectual property, employment law, land law, litigation, corporate law and out of jurisdiction aspects.
- Handling deadlined transactional work (some complex and urgent) and providing input into corporate processes and decision-making.
- Negotiating, verbally and in writing, on legal positions, especially for high-profile, high-value, or sensitive projects.
- Giving advice on the statutory or corporate position of the University or its subsidiaries.
- Working with key University teams on partnerships and recruitment, employer engagement, charitable accountability, effective use of resources and contracting including about the academic offer to students.
- Bringing legal, regulatory and corporate propriety issues, such as conflict of interest or Charities Act compliance, to the attention of senior management.
What Skills Do I Need?
- Qualified as a Solicitor or Barrister with a current certificate to practise as a Solicitor/Barrister in England.
- Experience in devising robust but novel solutions to enable business change within legal and accounting rules.
- Demonstrable confidence in exercising judgement in a complex business environment.
- Strong drafting skills and the ability to speak and draft in clear, unambiguous English.
- Proficiency in using IT and self-managing your workload.
About the Location
Our team has its own five-desk office within recently refurbished offices on our Headington Campus. While the principal location of work is the campus, the nature of modern in-house legal work often allows for a blend of on-campus and remote working, which can be discussed with the Director of Legal Services & Deputy Chief Financial Officer.
The campus is in Oxford and is generally well-served by public transport.
Benefits
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary days (approx. 5 per year).
The University currently supports hybrid working where the role allows and provided that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work securely and flexibly.
We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme with a 19.2% employer contribution rate, as well as providing all staff with financial education and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.
We prioritise the well-being of our employees - both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.
In addition, all employees have access to:
- Discounted rates for the University’s sports & gym facilities
- on-site Nursery
- Discounted travel options
- TOTUM card discount scheme
- Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
- Training and development opportunities
- Connected community – the University has a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship making it a vibrant and inclusive place to work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
