Senior In-House Lawyer (Commercial)

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential

Academic Qualifications:

A minimum of a 2:1 honour degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or demonstrable equivalent academic or professional achievement, this may include relevant experience and successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)/CPE, Legal Practice Course (LPC), Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) (S).

Professional Qualifications

Qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales (S).

Substantial experience gained following qualification in commercial and contract law (S).

At interview, candidates must demonstrate and provide evidence of:

• Extensive experience of providing pragmatic, business-focused legal advice on commercial and contract law matters, including grant funding and research contracts. Experience of advising on one or more of subsidy control, public procurement or public law would be advantageous (S&I).
• Proven experience of managing, leading, developing and supporting a high performing team of legal professionals (I).
• Strong legal judgement and appreciation of legal risk (I).
• The ability to think strategically and creatively, see legal issues in their wider context and advise accordingly (I).
• Strong analytical skills, and the ability to deliver timely, proportionate, and considered advice based on sound legal research (I).
• The ability to build strong relationships with clients and champion the work of the Legal Team (I).
• An understanding of the role of lawyers within public sector organisations and the ability to apply the governance and statutory framework within which UKRI operates (I).

Candidates invited to interview will be asked to provide specific examples to demonstrate how they meet the above criteria.

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

A list of benefits below:

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.

• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).

• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.

• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.

• Flexible working options.

Plus, many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

For further information on our benefits please see:

Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) [https://www.discover.ukri.org/benefits-of-working-at-ukri/index.html]

Please apply online

If you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.

UKRI - UK Research and Innovation

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI [https://www.ukri.org/about-us/work-for-us/working-at-ukri/benefits-of-working-for-ukri/].

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’. [https://www.ukri.org/about-us/work-for-us/edi-in-the-workforce/#contents-list]

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by