Legal Counsel, Commercial

The University of Cambridge is one of the world's oldest universities and leading academic centres. If you're looking for a new challenge and would like excellent benefits, extensive learning opportunities and a stimulating working environment in return for your skills and contribution, there could be a job here for you.

The Role

The Legal Services Division at the University of Cambridge is seeking to recruit a commercial solicitor to work within the commercial, corporate and IP team. We are less concerned with PQE (0-5 as a guide) and more concerned with you having the mindset, skills and willingness to adapt, develop, learn and grow as a commercial lawyer with good communication skills and a burning ambition to make a difference. You will be keen and willing to develop a specialism in niche commercial areas specific to HE such as competition, IP, data protection, procurement, export control, and national security.

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 development, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to enhancements in the way we manage and deliver our work.

About You & The Role

We are looking for someone who:

Wants to be involved in the trial and implementation of new technology adoption to contribute to the vision of building a best-in-class legal function for the University.

Shares our vision of growing, building and nurturing a reputation of quality to mirror the exceptional standards and reputation upheld by the University.

Is a team player who embraces change; is excited to make impact and share their ideas with a new team; is ambitious and keen to learn new things; and wants to learn and be stretched in order to 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 autonomy, judgement, and initiative.

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

We will expect you to have at the least, a broad commercial experience:

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

providing supervised legal advice on a range of commercial matters which may include competition, IP, data protection, procurement, export control, trade sanctions and national security as well as drafting, reviewing, advising on and negotiating a variety of agreements.

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.

For a full role description and details of the available reward and benefits package, refer to the attached Further Particulars document.

Please apply with your CV and cover letter.

Advert close date Monday 27th July 2026

Informal candidate stakeholder meetings may be held on w/c 3rd August 2026

Interviews will be held on w/c 10th August 2026

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.

Please quote reference AY50180 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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