Legal Advocate

Our Regulatory team is looking to recruit experienced full-time advocates with extensive trial advocacy experience to respond to increasing volumes of work and new client wins. Recognised in both Chambers and Legal 500 as a highly regarded team specialising in advising professional regulators, our clients include regulators and professionals in a number of sectors including law (we act for the SRA), health and social care, accountancy and education.

Our advocates appear before regulatory tribunals and courts in England and Wales (including the High Court), with a particular focus on healthcare fitness to practice trials. Whilst a background in healthcare related work or experience as an advocate before the Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal would be desirable, trial experience in professional regulatory advocacy is essential. We have one of the largest teams in the country, comprising solicitors, barristers, CILEX lawyers, paralegals and trainees, and we are supported by an experienced administrative team. We are driven by a shared desire to carry out important work that protects the public in a person-centred way.

The successful advocate may be based out of our Reading, London, Southampton or Cardiff office on a hybrid basis. Team members currently attend the office on 2 days each week (unless they are in a hearing). We will consider applications on a permanent or fixed term basis.

About the role:

• Present cases for hearing including interim order applications and reviews, contested hearings and, subject to your rights of audience, applications for interim order extensions in the High Court
• Be responsible for the content of hearing documentation, including skeleton arguments, opening notes, etc
• Advise on the management and progression of our regulatory investigations
• Approve or draft allegations to be considered by regulatory tribunals
• Give wider regulatory advice, helping to shape regulatory policy and practice

You may also have the opportunity to develop a practice as a legal advisor to regulatory panels.

About you:

The successful candidate will be a qualified advocate with a minimum of a year’s experience of carrying out contested and uncontested hearings in a regulatory / fitness to practise context. You must also be able to demonstrate:

• Solid relevant technical expertise and intellectual ability
• Enthusiasm and commitment to a career in regulatory work
• Strong analytical skills
• Collegiate and team-playing approach
• Excellent client care skills
• Exceptional self-motivation and ability to assume responsibility for your own matters
• Commitment to continuous development