Contract Lawyer (Part-time)

About RUSI 

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is the world’s oldest and the UK’s leading defence and security think tank. Its mission is to inform, influence and enhance public debate on a safer and more stable world. RUSI is a research-led institute, producing independent, practical and innovative analysis to address today’s complex challenges.

Job Overview:

RUSI is looking to recruit a part-time contract lawyer. This is a new post, created in response to the increasing number and complexity of funding contracts to which RUSI is now a party, as a result of the growth in our very successful research business.

Our lawyer will conduct the review of all research contracts and subcontracts, assessing their explicit and implied liabilities for our Institute.  She or he will also be expected to evaluate risk and elaborate broader contract strategies, as well as draft a variety of legal documents, including those for the subcontractors engaged by the Institute under our funding agreements. 

The successful candidate will form part of the Bids & Contracts team, and will report to RUSI’s Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities:

• Review and draft an array of commercial contracts for RUSI, in collaboration with research teams, including complex funding agreements, frameworks, NDAs, MoUs, sub-contracts, collaboration and teaming agreements.
• Provide accurate and timely advice.
• Adopt a solution-orientated and risk-analysis approach.
• Ensure that agreements with our subcontractors cover – where applicable – all the obligations undertaken in the main contract by the Institute.
• Update, roll out and manage new template agreements, where required.
• Assist with the drafting of guidance notes on a variety of topics.
• Keep up-to-date with changes in  contract law and ensure compliance with any changes in requirements.
• Provide from time-to-time other ad-hoc advice and documentation to RUSI as may be required.

**The above list of is not exhaustive, the post holder will be required to undertake such duties that may reasonably be expected within the scope and grade of the role**

Necessary Skills & Qualifications:

• A qualified Solicitor or Barrister with previous relevent experience;
• Experience in drafting a variety of legal documentation including commercial contracts;
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities;
• Good time management skills;
• Comfortable working with a variety of clients and professionals alike;
• Ability to explain contract law in everyday language to non-legal staff;
• Ability to work as part of a team, but also work confidently and independently on technical legal matters.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience in drafting research and intellectual property contracts;
• Knowledge of contract law in the EU, US or other jurisdictions.

Hours and Place of Work

The role that we are offering is 2 ½ days per week – precise days and hours to be agreed with the successful applicant.  Location is flexible.

What we can offer

• On offer is a competitive salary of £55,000 - £60,000 per annum pro rata depending on skills and experience.
• 25 days annual leave pro-rata (rising with service). 
• Additional days off during Christmas -RUSI Christmas closure days.
• Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution.
• Season ticket loan.
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.   
• Free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library.  

Application Process

Use the apply button to submit your CV and covering letter detailing your suitability for the position.

Equal Opportunity and Values

At RUSI you will be appreciated and valued. Our stakeholders, transactions, and projects are international and diverse, so we work hard to create inclusive teams that support our efforts and each other. We are committed in promoting equality and diversity in our workforce and employment practices and take reasonable steps not to unfairly discriminate in any way in our recruitment practices. We therefore encourage you to apply regardless of your socio-economic background, ethnicity, sexual preference, gender or physical disability.

To ensure equality of opportunity in our employment policies and monitoring of our recruitment practices, we ask candidates to complete our equal opportunity monitoring form which can be found here – Equal Opportunity Monitoring Form

Please note this will open in a separate browser, you will need to return to the vacancy page to complete your application.

We must stress that any information you provide will be strictly confidential and will not form part of the selection process.