Legal Counsel, Commercial

About the role

The Legal Services Division at the University of Cambridge is seeking a commercial solicitor to join its commercial, corporate and IP team. You will support a wide range of university activities by providing commercial legal advice and helping to shape a best‑in‑class legal function.

Key responsibilities

• Provide supervised legal advice on commercial matters such as competition, intellectual property, data protection, procurement, export control, trade sanctions and national security.
• Draft, review and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements.
• Act as a trusted internal resource, building relationships across the university and supporting strategic decision‑making.
• Contribute to the adoption of new technology and innovative legal service delivery.

Required profile

• Motivated to develop a niche commercial specialism within higher education.
• Strong communication skills, self‑starter mindset and ability to work under pressure.
• Willingness to challenge the status quo and drive constructive change.
• Broad commercial experience in private practice or in‑house, either qualified or as a trainee.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic, collaborative legal team.
• Flexibility to consider part‑time or compressed working arrangements.
• Exposure to diverse, high‑impact legal matters within a world‑leading university.