Associate General Counsel (Employment and Litigation)

*Please note that the University will be closed from 24 December 2024 until 1 January 2025 inclusive and we will respond to any queries as soon as possible after 2 January*

Previous applicants need not apply

Are you an accomplished solicitor, looking for a new challenge where you can make a real impact and conduct meaningful work with purpose? Do you want to be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking Legal Services team in a world-leading organisation?

Join University of the Arts London (UAL) and make a real difference by providing expert legal advice and tackling new legal challenges in the Higher Education sector. This is a truly unique role where your contribution will be a force for good within education and the creative industries.  

As a key member of a close-knit team of 10 legal professionals, you will collaborate with stakeholders across UAL to support transformative projects and partnerships. From shaping policies to resolving disputes, your work will directly influence how the University supports its staff and students. 

You will lead on employment tribunal litigation and advise on a wide range of employment law matters, including investigations, grievances, TUPE, redundancies, and industrial relations. In addition, you will handle contentious disputes such as breach of contract claims and education law issues, working closely with the General Counsel to address critical legal challenges.

About you

We are looking for a qualified solicitor in England and Wales with extensive experience in employment law and employment tribunal litigation. Experience in education law and supervising staff is desirable but not essential. 

Your ability to provide clear, commercially focused advice will be matched by your excellent research and communication skills. Your proactive approach, combined with your ability to tackle unusual issues and disputes, will help you navigate the challenges of a fast-paced Higher Education environment. 

If you have a passion for supporting innovative projects and partnerships, this role will provide an exciting platform for your expertise.

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.

Apply

Candidates are advised to submit applications early.