At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice, manage casework, and support strategic projects for the GOC.
- Company: Join a leading organisation dedicated to promoting high standards in optical practice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the legal field while supporting public safety in optical services.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with at least two years of post-qualification experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 € per year.
The GOC registers over 34,000 optometrists, dispensing opticians, optical businesses and optical students. We protect the public by promoting high standards of education, conduct and performance among our registrants.
Job purpose
We are looking for a qualified lawyer to:
- Provide legal advice and support on all GOC operations, strategic issues and projects;
- Manage the preparation of casework concerning (i) illegal optical practice and (ii) hearings before the Registration Appeals Committee (RAC).
Currently, staff mostly work remotely but this role requires some office-based work.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Provide legal advice and support on all organisational operations, strategic issues and projects, including (but not limited to) in relation to the GOC's core functions of registration, standards/guidance, education and training, and fitness to practise.
- Ensure the efficient management of casework concerning illegal optical practice (an average caseload of five cases) and RAC hearings (approximately one or two a year), including the development of case plans, identification of appropriate lines of enquiry, liaison with complainants and other external parties, instruction of internal or external lawyers as needed, and preparation of hearing bundles.
- Support colleagues across the organisation in devising and implementing legally compliant policies and processes.
- Support the GOC's learning culture, assisting colleagues' understanding of legal issues and assisting the personal development of junior staff.
- Ensure the accurate recording and maintenance of management information, including performance data required for reporting to the GOC's senior management team, the Council and the Professional Standards Authority.
- Work in accordance with applicable KPIs and business plans, managing own workload and prioritising effectively while maintaining quality of output.
- Maintain own skills and knowledge, including as required to maintain professional registration with SRA, BSB or CILEx.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
- Qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive with a practising certificate and at least two years post-qualification experience.
- Good understanding of working in a legal or regulatory environment, including conducting legal research, advising on the interpretation and application of regulations, and drafting policy documents.
- Good Microsoft Office skills, including SharePoint, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES/BEHAVIOURS
- Supports the organisation's commitment to promoting equality, valuing diversity, being inclusive and meeting our equality duties.
- Can build relationships and work effectively across the organisation, engaging others in achieving compliance with legislation and good regulatory practice.
- Has strong analytical, creative-thinking and problem-solving skills, demonstrating strong technical understanding of legal processes.
- Conveys information (usually complex) accurately and clearly, whether verbally or in writing, ensuring understanding by all parties.
- Makes decisions and recommendations that are sound, well-reasoned and supported by appropriate and relevant information/evidence.
Details
- Salary: £60,000 pa
- Closing date: 16:00 Friday 15 May 2026
- Interviews: Interviews are on 19 and 21 May 2026 and will last about one hour.
We are committed to ensuring that in exercising all of our functions we operate in a fair and transparent manner and in a way that is free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Within all of our functions, we are committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity, being inclusive, and meeting our equality duties. We will not discriminate on age, disability, gender reassignment, race/ethnicity/nationality, religion/belief, sex/gender, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, or pregnancy/maternity.
How to apply
Please submit:
- Your CV (up to two A4 pages)
- Your covering letter (up to two A4 pages) summarising your suitability for this role and any difficulty attending an interview on 19 or 21 May.
Please note that we will not consider your application unless you submit both a CV and a covering letter as specified above.
Lawyer, Central Legal Team 12 months FTC Maternity Cover in Bexley employer: General Optical Council
The General Optical Council (GOC) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. As part of the Central Legal Team, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful legal work that directly impacts public safety and the optical profession, all while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a commitment to equality and diversity. With a focus on collaboration and continuous learning, the GOC fosters an environment where your contributions are valued and your career can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer, Central Legal Team 12 months FTC Maternity Cover in Bexley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into the GOC or similar organisations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the GOC’s recent projects and challenges in the optical sector. Being able to discuss how your skills can directly support their mission will definitely make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your legal prowess! During interviews, be ready to share examples of how you've tackled complex legal issues in the past. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer, Central Legal Team 12 months FTC Maternity Cover in Bexley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the GOC's mission. Keep it concise, engaging, and tailored to the role.
Showcase Your Legal Expertise:In your CV, emphasise your qualifications and experience in legal environments. Mention specific cases or projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. Remember, we want to understand your skills and experiences without having to decipher complex sentences!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your documents and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at General Optical Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legal principles relevant to the GOC's operations. Familiarise yourself with regulations around registration, standards, and fitness to practise. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Casework Questions
Expect questions about managing casework, especially concerning illegal optical practice and RAC hearings. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully handled similar situations, and be ready to outline your approach to developing case plans and liaising with external parties.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with colleagues across the organisation. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated in the past and how you can support a learning culture. Highlight any experience you have in mentoring or assisting junior staff, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
The GOC values strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Prepare to share examples of how you've tackled complex legal issues in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and clearly convey your thought process.
