Generalist Commercial Lawyer (In‑house)

About the role

This permanent, full‑time position is based at the University of Buckingham and offers a hybrid working model. You will lead the Legal Services team, providing pragmatic, commercially‑focused advice to academic and professional services departments.

Key responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day legal advice across the University.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts and agreements.
• Advise on supplier contracts, academic partnerships, consultancy agreements and student‑related matters.
• Support governance, regulatory compliance and risk management, including data protection and GDPR.
• Manage claims, disputes and liaison with external solicitors when required.
• Develop legal policies, contract templates and internal processes.
• Deliver legal training and guidance to colleagues across the institution.

Required profile

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales.
• Significant post‑qualification experience with a track record of leading a legal team.
• Strong commercial contract drafting and negotiation abilities.
• Broad experience across commercial law, employment, property, litigation, disputes and data protection.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills with non‑legal stakeholders.

Required skills

• Commercial contract drafting and negotiation.
• Data protection and GDPR compliance.
• Litigation and dispute management.
• Intellectual property, property and estates knowledge.

What we offer

• Starting salary of £58,105 per annum.
• Hybrid working with flexibility around office attendance.
• Christmas shutdown and free on‑site parking.
• Access to an on‑site gym and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive, collaborative working environment.