As a world-leading, research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow's greatest challenges. The University of Edinburgh is a truly global university, committed to fostering an inclusive community where staff and students from all backgrounds feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive.
Edinburgh Law School is one of the world's leading law schools, with more than 300 years of history and an international reputation for academic excellence, interdisciplinary scholarship, intellectual leadership and societal impact. Through outstanding teaching, pioneering research and meaningful engagement with governments, the legal profession, industry and civil society, the School is committed to addressing complex legal and societal challenges and delivering meaningful impact beyond academia, while preparing the next generation of legal professionals, researchers and leaders.
The School is home to around 100 academic colleagues, supported by more than 50 professional services staff, and welcomes almost 2,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students from around the world each year. With an annual income of approximately £34 million, it plays a significant role within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the wider University.
We are seeking an outstanding academic leader to serve as our next Head of Edinburgh Law School. This is one of the University's most significant leadership appointments, providing the opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a globally recognised law school while fostering excellence in teaching, research, knowledge exchange and impact. Working closely with academic and professional services colleagues, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, strengthen external partnerships and foster an inclusive, collaborative and collegial culture in which staff and students can thrive.
Candidates will have an internationally recognised profile in legal scholarship, supported by significant research and teaching experience. They will bring strategic vision, excellent communication skills and a collaborative, consultative approach to leadership, alongside experience of managing people, resources and organisational change within a complex academic environment. The successful candidate will also be an effective ambassador for the School, building productive relationships with academic collaborators, the legal profession, alumni, donors and other external partners.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and particularly welcome applications from candidates from groups currently underrepresented in senior academic leadership.
The University of Edinburgh is willing to consider flexible working or job share arrangements for this appointment.
Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae along with a covering letter of application addressing the role and the qualities and experience outlined.
For further information and to download the candidate pack, please click on the "Request More Information" button below. The job reference number is 8566.
For a confidential informal conversation about the role, please contact Research Associate, May Charrat on May.Charrat@perrettlaver.com.
The deadline for the receipt of applications is 11:59pm BST on Monday 24th August 2026.
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