General Counsel

THIS JOB HAS NOW CLOSED

The opportunity

University of the Arts London (UAL) is a world-leading creative university for teaching and research in art, design, fashion, communication and performing arts. UAL is made up of six renowned colleges: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts.

We thrive because the world needs creativity. In a volatile era, we aim to find new ways to demonstrate the value of creative disciplines in our response to major forces such as the climate emergency, decolonisation and social equality. We are a top 30 UK university for research and performance-related knowledge exchange, top three for student and graduate start-ups, leading on public engagement and CPD. We use our knowledge, creativity and skills to work with partners, clients and communities to create a positive impact.

We are now seeking a General Counsel who will report directly to the University Secretary and be responsible for primary legal support across all of the University and its subsidiaries’ activities and be the single and main point of contact for all senior management in the provision of legal advice on any matter impacting UAL.

About you

The successful candidate will be a qualified and practising solicitor who holds a current Practicing Certificate from the Regulation Authority with significant post-qualification experience, coupled with affinity and empathy for the Higher Education sector and interest in its current and future developments. Such experience may have been gained beyond the Higher Education sector, in complex and highly regulated environments and you will have experience of team leadership.

You will possess a demonstrable track record as an authority within your field or specialism, and be able to shape and influence developments across the University and apply your skills more generally through a varied workload. You will share our values and will possess exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, representing UAL with a wide range of stakeholders. Like us, you believe that equality, diversity and inclusion are integral to thriving organisations and you will share our commitment to creating a university where we can all be ourselves and reach our full potential.

Perrett Laver is acting as an employment agency advisor to UAL on this appointment process.

Closing date – Monday 15 January 2024 at 9am.

Application is by submission of a full curriculum vitae and a covering letter of application, addressing the job description and person specification and including suitable daytime and evening telephone contact details.

For further details, including a candidate pack, job description, person specification and information on how to apply, please visit Perrett Laver’s jobs page.

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

Our culture

We are a global University, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. We aim to be a university where people can be themselves and feel supported to reach their full potential. That’s why we are proud to be members of the Race Equality Charter (REC) and Business Disability Forum, are a Disability Confident Scheme Committed and Living Wage employer and maintain our status as a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

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