At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal support for fitness to practise, manage investigations, and oversee regulatory processes.
- Company: Join a dynamic regulator focused on maintaining high standards in professional practice.
- Benefits: Remote work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in regulatory law while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with 5+ years of experience in fitness to practise.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Job Title
Head of Legal (Fitness to Practise)
Contract
18 month FTC/Secondment
Working Arrangement
Remote
About the role
- You will lead the legal support provided to the regulator’s fitness to practise function, helping teams investigate concerns effectively and prepare cases to a high standard.
- Working with senior leaders, operational colleagues and external legal advisers, you will provide advice on complex cases, oversee the internal advocacy service and contribute to organisational policy and strategy.
You will also help identify legal risks, improve regulatory processes and assess where changes to legislation or rules may be needed.
- The role combines leadership of a multidisciplinary team with specialist legal advice and oversight of sensitive regulatory proceedings.
- Main responsibilities
- Legal leadership and team management
- Set priorities for the fitness to practise legal team, allocating work and resources to meet operational needs.
- Manage the legal budget and support effective planning of internal and external legal resources.
- Lead, supervise and develop colleagues, ensuring appropriate training, professional development and quality assurance.
- Provide clear legal and strategic advice to senior leaders, supporting informed decisions on regulatory and organisational matters.
- Investigations and case preparation
- Advise on the assessment of concerns, investigation planning, evidence, disclosure and the drafting of allegations.
- Support colleagues handling complex, sensitive or high risk investigations, identifying issues that require escalation or specialist advice.
- Review significant case documents and recommendations, making final decisions where responsibility has been delegated.
- Help ensure regulatory decisions are supported by clear reasoning, appropriate evidence and fair procedures.
- Advocacy and external legal services
- Oversee the internal advocacy service responsible for interim order applications and reviews of interim and substantive orders.
- Support the preparation and presentation of disciplinary cases handled by external legal providers.
- Provide instructions and legal oversight on particularly complex or high profile matters.
- Work with colleagues responsible for external legal contracts to monitor service quality, timeliness and effective use of resources.
- Policy, risk and service improvement
- Advise on the interpretation and application of the regulator’s statutory framework, rules, policies and procedures.
- Contribute legal expertise to projects and proposed changes, assessing their feasibility and supporting implementation.
- Work with legal, policy and operational colleagues to improve the consistency, effectiveness and proportionality of regulatory processes.
- Identify emerging legal risks and advise senior leadership and the governing body on appropriate responses.
- Apply learning from case outcomes, legal developments and quality reviews to improve practice.
- Training and collaboration
- Identify training needs and develop practical guidance for legal and operational colleagues.
- Deliver training on regulatory legislation, procedure, case law and other relevant legal issues to staff and those involved in hearings.
- Build effective relationships across the organisation and with external advisers, supporting a coordinated approach to casework.
Essential qualifications and experience
- A qualified solicitor or barrister authorised to practise in England and Wales, with at least five years’ post qualification experience.
- Substantial experience of fitness to practise proceedings, including preparing and presenting cases before regulatory panels.
Head of Legal in London employer: Abingdon People
As a Data Management Officer, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Our hybrid working arrangements offer flexibility, while our commitment to maintaining high professional standards ensures that you will be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the regulatory landscape. With opportunities for continuous learning and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, this role is perfect for those seeking a rewarding career in a forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal in London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
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✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Abingdon People, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Abingdon People and the specific role of Head of Legal. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Abingdon People’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abingdon People
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Abingdon People.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Abingdon People.
