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About Us

The Legal Services Department provides legal, regulatory and commercial advice and support on a broad range of matters to the University Executive Board and its individual members; Heads of School; Heads of Directorates; Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellors; other professional services within the University; and, subject to the approval of the Heads of School or Heads of Directorate, all staff acting on University business.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Our role and what we do:

We act as a guardian of the rule of law within the university, ensuring that the University’s activities align with all relevant laws
We develop strategy with UEB and other senior leaders to support the university’s aims and its legal compliance
We provide accurate, practical and timely legal advice on a broad range of matters (see ‘Areas we can provide advice and support on’ below)   
We work collaboratively with UEB and other stakeholders across all schools and directorates to help shape and deliver on strategy and provide legal and regulatory advice from an early stage or when requested
We identify, assess and mitigate legal, ethical and reputational risks, ensuring that decisions align with the University’s risk appetite
We review, draft and negotiate a variety of contracts and agreements - Contracts directory
We assist stakeholders in understanding the legal implications of their activities and empower them to manage risks effectively
We advise on regulatory and compliance matters, including but not limited to  compliance with our conditions of registration, consumer law and charity law. 
We support the organisation in navigating new legal and regulatory developments
We manage relationships with external legal counsel, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality support when specialist advice is required
We develop and maintain legal resources, including templates and guidance documents, to improve efficiency and support the wider organisation.  A number of these templates are self-service documents which can be accessed and used by University staff 

Areas we can provide advice and support on

Drafting and negotiating contracts and other legal agreements or arrangements with external organisations, both local and internationally based
Terminating, amending and interpreting existing agreements and contracts
Legal and regulatory compliance and risk
Legal issues arising from the University’s estate
Intellectual property matters
Registration, use and protection of trademarks
Education and student matters
Employment matters
Governance matters
Commercial and Corporate matters
University Strategic Projects
Drafting and reviewing policies, procedures and regulations
Reviewing and advising on legal aspects of communications
Managing disputes and claims either against the University or brought by the University
Copyright compliance
Data protection and Freedom of Information
 Copyright compliance  Copyright Officer
 Contractual activity regarding research  Research Services
 Contracts or Questions relating to the purchase of goods or services  Procurement
 Staff matters  HR
 Insurance matters  Insurance Officer


If your query relates to one of the following matters, please first seek advice from colleagues in the relevant department, who will contact and involve Legal Services when necessary.

Please note that as the Legal Services lawyers work for the University, they are unable to provide advice or support to staff or students on private matters, or in relation to claims they may have against the University.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

When and how to contact Legal Services

We encourage colleagues to involve Legal Services from an early stage so that we can provide timely advice as appropriate.  

Requests for legal advice should be submitted via HighQ 

 

See Also

Meet the Team

Legal Services Partnership Agreement

Contact Legal Services

Legal Services