Legal Counsel, Employment

The Legal Services Division at the University of Cambridge is seeking to recruit an employment solicitor (0-5PQE as a guide) to work within the employment team. Your work will include both contentious and non-contentious matters including (but not limited to) advising in relation to recruitment and dismissals, discrimination and whistleblowing, employment contracts and benefits, policies and procedures, Employment Tribunals, industrial relations and TUPE transfers. We are looking for someone with excellent communication skills who has the mind-set, skills and willingness to adapt, develop, learn and grow as an employer lawyer specifically within the HE sector.

The Team & Our Work

Join a dynamic and inspiring group of talented lawyers and administrative professionals who thrive in a collaborative and supportive environment. Our team handles an exceptionally diverse and intriguing range of legal matters, offering you the chance to apply and sharpen your skills in addressing complex challenges within a vibrant and stimulating setting. Each day will bring new experiences and opportunities. You will build strong relationships and gain confidence working with a broad network of staff across the University. As a trusted and respected internal resource, you will provide reliable guidance and help position the Division as a key strategic partner within the organisation. Our team is in an exciting phase of growth and reshaping, offering a unique opportunity to be part of and contribute to its dynamic development.

The University

You will be part of a world-leading institution renowned for its commitment to education, learning, and research at the highest international standards of excellence. For over 800 years the University of Cambridge has been nurturing and developing incredible talent, creating legends and visionaries. Our people have changed the course of history, many times. When it comes to teaching, learning and research, we are world-leading, ground-breaking and have a reputation for excellence. As a key member of the professional services team, you will play a crucial role in helping the University fulfil its mission to contribute to society and make a positive impact on the world. Your work will be meaningful and impactful, driving forward the University's goals and making a tangible difference to the world. Nurturing talent is what we do, and we think you will learn a lot while you are here with us., We will expect you to have, at the least, broad employment law experience:

• In private practice or in-house (qualified or as a trainee);


• Providing supervised legal advice on a range of contentious and non-contentious employment law matters which may include recruitment and dismissals, discrimination and whistleblowing, conduct and performance, employment status, employment rights, employee benefits, Employment Tribunal litigation industrial relations and TUPE transfers as well as drafting, reviewing and advising on a variety of employment contracts and policies and procedures.


Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a standard Disclosure and Barring Service check.

We would prefer to make a full time appointment but are open to considering part-time or compressed working arrangements. Our approach to flexible working values both face-to-face engagement and personal freedom, and reflects contemporary practices. You and your manager will work together to tailor an arrangement that best suits your preferences and our business needs.


• Is a team player who embraces change; is excited to make impact and share their ideas with a new and growing team; is ambitious and keen to learn new things; and wants to learn and be stretched in order to develop and grow as a lawyer.


• Has a self-starting mindset with a passion for testing new ideas and innovating to drive improved results.


• Is able to proactively challenge the status quo and promote constructive innovation to bring about positive change.


• Works effectively under pressure, exercising a high degree of autonomy, judgement, and initiative.


• Displays meticulous attention to detail and demonstrates an aptitude for rapid learning.