Senior Legal Counsel

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of eye health services in the UK. We have a reputation, developed over two centuries, for providing the highest quality of ophthalmic care.

Moorfields’ Clinical Research Facility is the largest ophthalmic experimental medicine and early phase facility in the world, with an international reputation of excellence for ophthalmic research.

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Legal Counsel to join our legal services team on a permanent basis. To successfully carry out this broad and varied role, you will be a UK qualified solicitor with extensive post-qualification experience in negotiating and drafting complex commercial contracts. You will also have a strong grasp of government framework contracts, public procurement law and experience, or a strong interest, in the healthcare sector.

Responsibilities:

1. Function as a legal business partner with nominated business functions, providing commercial and strategic business advice.
2. Deputise for the General Counsel and support the General Counsel in the development of the legal services team.
3. Support the R&D department by reviewing and/or drafting UK and international collaboration agreements, MoUs, HoTs and sub-award agreements.
4. Provide support to the Trust’s Board on key areas, including commercial, IP, regulatory, and medical law.
5. Provide support to Trust colleagues on a wide range of legal matters, including employment relations and clinical negligence claims.
6. Provide legal advice to the Trust’s CEO and directors, on key areas, including commercial, intellectual property, regulatory, and medical law.
7. Act as deputy for the General Counsel, including with the planning of legal budgets and approval of invoices.
8. Support the development of the legal services team, including the drafting of key templates and development of new business practices.
9. Support the development and review of the Trust’s policies.
10. As legal business partner, provide a central point of contact for key business areas, advising on legal and regulatory matters and providing advice and support where appropriate.
11. Oversee and identify the legal issues in business partnering areas and their inter-relationships, ensuring close liaison with directors, managers and budget holders so that appropriate matters are escalated for review in a timely manner.
12. Work with the Trust’s third-party legal suppliers to ensure best value for money advice within budget.
13. Provide support to the Research & Development department including contract review, liaising and advising on the implications relating to research governance, strategic partnering agreements with international partners, international collaboration agreements, understanding of intellectual property and drafting MOUs and HOTs.
14. Provide legal advice in relation to the establishment of contracts for projects as required.
15. Provide advice to clinical teams and staff as the need arises, for example relating to consent and the duty of candour.
16. Provide appropriate training support to the Trust on legal and regulatory issues. Support leads in specific areas and build knowledge and understanding of the legal implications of activity in the Trust.
17. Keep up to date with new developments in the law as they may affect the activities of the Trust and to assist the Trust in the interpretation of legislation and regulations as they relate to the Trust.

Benefits:

1. Salary including High-Cost Area Supplement
2. Opportunity to join the NHS Pension Scheme
3. Free 24/7 independent counselling service
4. Learning and development opportunities
5. Easy and quick transport links
6. A range of attractive benefits and discounts
7. Access to Blue Light Card and other NHS Discount Schemes
8. Free Pilates classes
9. Full support and training to develop your skills
10. Flexible working friendly organisation
11. And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please see our Moorfields benefits document.

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