Legal Counsel(UK visa sponsorship available)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Sussex is seeking a motivated and commercially astute Legal Counsel to join its in-house Legal Services team. This position will provide timely, pragmatic, and solutions-focused legal advice across a broad range of matters affecting the University.

Working collaboratively with both academic and professional services colleagues, you will play a pivotal role in delivering robust legal support, embedding compliance, and strengthening risk awareness across the institution.

This opportunity is ideally suited to a qualified solicitor or barrister seeking their first in-house position, or an experienced legal professional looking to further their career within the higher education sector.

Key Responsibilities

Provide accurate and commercially focused legal advice on a variety of issues, including public law, contract law, employment law, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.

Support the University’s governance and decision-making processes through professional legal input and risk-based recommendations.

Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements and documentation.

Contribute to the development of internal legal frameworks and compliance strategies.

Promote legal and risk awareness across the University community.

Maintain an up-to-date understanding of relevant legislation, policy, and sector developments.

About You

Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales with a current practising certificate.

Strong knowledge and experience in legal areas relevant to higher education and the public sector.

Strategic thinker with the ability to assess and manage legal risk in a complex organisational environment.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a proactive, solutions-driven approach.

Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and committed to continuous professional development (CPD).

About the Division

The Legal, Governance, and Risk Division underpins the University’s strategic and operational success through the provision of expert legal, governance, information management, and risk management services.

Our team drives high-quality decision-making, promotes robust governance practices, and ensures compliance with key legislative and regulatory obligations. We work collaboratively across the University to help realise opportunities and manage institutional risk effectively.

Why Join the University of Sussex

Situated on a scenic 150-acre campus adjacent to the South Downs National Park, the University of Sussex offers an exceptional working environment. The campus is easily accessible via Falmer train station (a five-minute walk) and several local bus routes. We also promote sustainable commuting through dedicated cycle paths and our Cycle to Work Scheme.

As a leading international, research-led university, Sussex values innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. Our people—academic staff, professional services, and students—are at the heart of everything we do.

Learn more about our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
initiatives.

Visa Sponsorship and Eligibility

This role is assigned SOC code 2419 – Legal professionals not elsewhere classified and is eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship, subject to the following conditions:

If the successful candidate’s first Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) was issued on or before 3 April 2024, the salary at Grade 7.1 (£38,784) meets the required threshold (£33,400).

If the CoS is issued after 3 April 2024, or for new applicants relocating to the UK, eligibility will depend on individual circumstances. The appointee must either be appointed at Grade 7.4 (£41,700) or utilise tradeable points to meet the Skilled Worker Visa salary requirements.

For further information, please refer to:

Skilled Worker Visa Overview

UK Visa Sponsorship for Employers

The University requires all work to be undertaken within the UK.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Key Dates

Closing Date: 23 November 2025 (5:59 PM)

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Start Date: As soon as possible

Contract Duration: Permanent