Legal Counsel Visa Sponsorship Uk

Job Description

University of Derby
Interview Date: 2 June 2025
Location: Derby
Sponsorship: Eligible for Skilled Worker Visa (subject to UKVI criteria)

About the University

At the University of Derby, we’re driven by one simple goal: to make a positive impact. Through innovative research, high-quality teaching, and a strong commitment to sustainability, we are transforming lives and shaping brighter futures.

A modern university with a progressive outlook, we are focused on delivering excellence for our students, staff, and the wider community. We’ve been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, placing us among the UK’s top universities for student experience and outcomes. With world-class facilities, ambitious plans for growth, and a strong financial foundation, we offer an inclusive, supportive workplace that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development.

About the Department

Legal Services forms part of the wider Legal, Governance & Assurance Services team—a central function responsible for managing legal, regulatory, reputational, and financial risk. The department comprises three specialist areas:

• Legal Services
• Governance Services
• Assurance Services

Together, they play a vital role in supporting the University’s strategic ambitions by providing timely, practical, and commercially focused legal guidance on complex, high-value issues.

The Role

We are seeking a confident and commercially minded Legal Counsel to join our specialist legal team. You will provide high-quality legal advice across a wide range of matters including:

• Contract and commercial law
• Regulatory compliance
• Intellectual property
• Corporate documentation

Working closely with the Senior Legal Counsel, you will take the lead on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of legal agreements—such as supply and service contracts, research and consultancy agreements, and memoranda of understanding. You will also support institutional governance and help manage legal risk in transactional activities.

About You

You will be a qualified solicitor or barrister with strong post-qualification experience in commercial law, ideally gained in-house or within the public sector. Key requirements include:

• Solid understanding of contract law and commercial best practice
• Demonstrated experience negotiating, drafting, and advising on complex legal agreements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal issues clearly
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Collaborative approach with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships across the institution

Desirable (but not essential): Experience in higher education, the public sector, or in intellectual property and research contracting.

Employee Benefits

• 42 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and university closure days)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Private Health Insurance (employer-funded)
• Comprehensive wellbeing and family-friendly policies
• Employee Assistance Programme
• On-site gym (discounted membership)
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Staff discounts at major retailers
• Flexible and hybrid working environment
• Strong commitment to training and development

Sponsorship and Visa Information

This role is eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided your personal circumstances meet the requirements set out by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

To be eligible for sponsorship, you must:

• Meet the English language requirement
• Earn a salary that meets either the minimum salary threshold (£38,700) or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher

You may still be eligible if earning below the going rate under certain conditions, such as:

• You’re under 26, a recent graduate, or in professional training
• You hold a PhD relevant to the role
• The role is listed on the Immigration Salary List
• The role is a postdoctoral position

Please note: Sponsorship eligibility is confirmed only after an offer is made and your individual circumstances are assessed. Visit our Applying from Overseas page for more guidance.

Contact Information

For informal enquiries about the role, please contact:
James Fussell, Director of Legal, Governance & Assurance Services – j.fussell@derby.ac.uk

For queries regarding your application or sponsorship eligibility, contact our recruitment team at: recruitment@derby.ac.uk

Ready to be part of a forward-thinking university making a real difference?
Apply today and take the next step in your legal career.