Job Description
About the Role
The Department of Law at Birmingham City University is seeking to appoint a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a valid practising certificate and recent legal experience. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team within the University’s ‘Outstanding’ TEF-rated Law Clinic, playing a key role in expanding and diversifying clinical legal education opportunities for students.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the development of legal education in a practical, hands-on environment by supporting student placements, pro bono activity, and clinic-based learning.
You will work closely with the Law Clinic Director to support voluntary law clinic projects and assessed clinical modules, and to establish new partnerships—especially with private legal practices—to enhance student employability and readiness for the modern legal profession.
Key Responsibilities
Support the growth and strategic development of BCU’s Law Clinic
Supervise and mentor students in clinical legal education settings
Build and maintain partnerships with legal service providers (e.g. Central England Law Centre, Support Through Court, Citizens Advice)
Coordinate assessed student placements at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
Contribute to the delivery of practice-based legal education aligned with current professional standards
Support graduate employability by enhancing students’ real-world legal skills and knowledge
About the Department
The Department of Law is part of the School of Law and Social Sciences and serves over 1,000 students across a wide range of programmes from foundation year to PhD. Programmes include the LLB, LLM, and Legal Practice offerings.
We are known for our:
Practice-focused, research-informed teaching
Large and growing Law Clinic
Emphasis on clinical legal education and legal pedagogy
Strong industry and community partnerships
Candidate Requirements
Essential:
Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a valid UK practising certificate
Recent experience in legal practice
Strong commitment to legal education and student development
Interest in clinical legal education and access to justice initiatives
Ability to engage with legal firms and community legal organisations
Excellent interpersonal, organisational, and communication skills
Why Join BCU?
BCU is a modern, forward-thinking university with deep roots in innovation, practical learning, and social impact, dating back to 1843. As part of our Strategy for 2030 and Beyond, we are committed to:
Transforming students’ lives through inclusive and applied education
Promoting diversity, equality, and opportunity for all
Championing interdisciplinary collaboration through our STEAM agenda (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
BCU is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, and especially encourage candidates from underrepresented groups, including:
Women
Black, Asian, and minority ethnic individuals
LGBTQI+ communities
Disabled individuals
People of all faiths and beliefs
All staff are expected to contribute to our inclusive, respectful, and diverse university community.
Visa and Right to Work
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Some roles may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, but eligibility will depend on role-specific criteria such as salary and skill level.
Additional Notes
Please apply as early as possible. BCU may close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.