At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice and manage casework for the GOC's operations and strategic projects.
- Company: Join a leading organisation dedicated to promoting high standards in optical practice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £60,000 pa and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Flexible remote work options with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- 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' 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) as part of the GOC’s Central Legal team.
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 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. We may close this vacancy earlier than the closing date if we receive a large number of applications.
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 employer: General Optical Council
The General Optical Council (GOC) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and inclusivity. 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 standards of the optical profession, all while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a commitment to equality and diversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer, Central Legal Team - 12 months FTC Maternity Cover
✨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 interviews by researching the GOC’s recent projects and challenges. Show us you’re not just a qualified lawyer but someone who understands the unique landscape of optical regulation and is ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common legal interview questions. We want to see how you think on your feet, so consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and ready to dive into the GOC’s mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer, Central Legal Team - 12 months FTC Maternity Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to summarise your suitability for the role clearly and concisely. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the GOC's mission.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description. Use keywords from the job listing to show we’re on the same page.
Be Clear and Concise:Both your CV and cover letter should be easy to read. Stick to the two A4 page limit and avoid jargon. We want to see your qualifications, not a novel!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates!
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 optical practice and any recent case law that might impact your role. This will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Prepare for Casework Questions
Expect questions about how you would manage casework, especially concerning illegal optical practices. Think through your approach to developing case plans and liaising with external parties. Having a structured answer ready can really impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
The GOC values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively with others in the past. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or contributed to a positive team environment, especially in a legal context.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to convey complex legal information clearly, practice explaining legal concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on being articulate and ensuring your answers are easy to understand, which will highlight your ability to communicate effectively across the organisation.
