Legal Adviser

About the role

The Office for Students (OfS) is seeking a Legal Adviser to provide expert legal support across a wide range of regulatory and corporate matters. You will work within a dynamic team influencing higher‑education policy and ensuring compliance with public‑law obligations.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on higher‑education legislation, including the Higher Education and Research Act 2017.
• Advise on data protection, freedom of information, consumer protection, charity, human‑rights and defamation law.
• Manage litigation activities such as judicial reviews, statutory appeals and regulatory investigations.
• Support the Legal Senior Leadership Team and senior lawyers in delivering the OfS legal function.
• Commission external counsel and negotiate fees to ensure value for money.
• Draft internal guidance on key legal and regulatory issues.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to align legal advice with organisational objectives.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience in public‑law, higher‑education or regulatory legal matters.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal policy teams and external legal providers.
• Strong understanding of senior leadership objectives and stakeholder management.

Required skills

What we offer

• Salary range £56,209 – £58,820 per annum plus allowances and London weighting where applicable.
• Generous Civil Service defined‑benefit pension scheme.
• Opportunity to develop legal expertise within a high‑impact public regulator.