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- Tasks: Join us as a Senior Legal Counsel, providing strategic legal advice and support across various departments.
- Company: Moorfields Eye Hospital is the UK's leading provider of eye health services with a rich history of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, NHS pension, flexible working, free Pilates classes, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a renowned institution impacting healthcare while developing your legal expertise in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a UK qualified solicitor with extensive experience in commercial contracts and healthcare law.
- Other info: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with top-tier professionals in the field.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
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 our this broad and varied role, you will to be a UK qualified solicitor with extensive post-qualification experience in negotiating/ 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.
Main duties of the job
Function as a legal business partner with nominated business functions, providing commercial and strategic business advice.
Deputise for the General Counsel and support the General Counsel in the development of the legal services team.
Support the R&D department by reviewing and/ or drafting UK and international collaboration agreements, MoUs, HoTs and sub-award agreements.
Provide support to the Trust’s Board on key areas, including commercial, IP, regulatory, and medical law.
Provide support to Trust colleagues on a wide range of legal matters, including employment relations and clinical negligence claims.
About us
At Moorfields, we provide more than just an excellent career and great colleagues to work with. We also offer:
- Salary including High-Cost Area Supplement
- Opportunity to join the NHS Pension Scheme
- Free 24/7 independent counselling service
- Learning and development opportunities
- Easy and quick transport links
- A range of attractive benefits and discounts
- Access to Blue Light Card and other NHS Discount Schemes
- Free Pilates classes
- Full support and training to develop your skills
- Flexible working friendly organisation
And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please see our Moorfields benefits document.
Job responsibilities
- Provide legal advice to the Trusts CEO and directors, on key areas, including commercial, intellectual property, regulatory, and medical law.
- Act as deputy for the General Counsel, including with the planning of legal budgets and approval of invoices.
- Support the development of the legal services team, including the drafting of key templates and development of new business practices.
- Support the development and review of the Trusts policies.
- 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.
- 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.
- Work with the Trusts third-party legal suppliers to ensure best value for money advice within budget.
- 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.
- Provide legal advice in relation to the establishment of contracts for projects as required.
- Provide advice to clinical teams and staff as the need arises, for example relating to consent and the duty of candour.
- 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.
- 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.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
- Law degree or equivalent
Experience
- Substantial post-qualification experience, ideally in the health, research or life sciences sector
- Experience of contractual and commercial agreements
- Experience of working with a range of internal and external stakeholders creating effective relationships
- Experience of working with Research & Development contracts and collaborations
- Proven work experience of healthcare law
Knowledge
- Solid working knowledge of the health sector
- Solid working knowledge of commercial, intellectual property and data protection law
- Solid understanding of corporate governance
- Good working knowledge of employment law
Skills/abilities
- Excellent communication skills including attention to detail and ability to communicate complex principles to wide-ranging audience within and outside the Trust (including speaking with patients)
- Capability to interact with senior members of the Trust with authority and provide appropriate advice and challenge
- Provide, initiative-taking, pragmatic, legally acceptable practical solutions
- Calm logical approach with an ability to work and deliver under pressure
- Good problem solving and analytical skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
£82,462 to £93,773 a yearinclusive of HCAS
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Legal Counsel employer: NHS
Contact Detail:
NHS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific legal frameworks and regulations that govern the healthcare sector in the UK. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the unique challenges faced by Moorfields Eye Hospital.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the healthcare legal field, especially those who have experience working with NHS trusts. Engaging with these individuals can provide valuable insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on recent developments in healthcare law and public procurement. Being able to discuss current trends and their implications during your interview will showcase your proactive approach and deep understanding of the sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex commercial contracts and collaboration agreements. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated similar situations in the past, as this will highlight your suitability for the Senior Legal Counsel position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Legal Counsel position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, especially the emphasis on experience in healthcare law and commercial contracts.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in negotiating and drafting complex commercial contracts, as well as any specific experience in the healthcare sector. Use keywords from the job description to make your application stand out.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your legal expertise and your understanding of the healthcare landscape. Mention specific examples of how your previous work aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to convey complex legal concepts to diverse audiences, including senior management and clinical teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your extensive post-qualification experience, especially in negotiating and drafting complex commercial contracts. Highlight specific examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your understanding of public procurement law and healthcare sector regulations.
✨Understand the Trust's Mission
Familiarize yourself with Moorfields Eye Hospital's history and its reputation in ophthalmic care. Showing that you understand their commitment to excellence in eye health services will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organization.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to provide legal advice under pressure. Prepare scenarios where you had to navigate complex legal issues, particularly in healthcare or research settings, and how you approached them.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since the role involves advising senior members of the Trust, practice articulating complex legal principles in a clear and concise manner. Your ability to communicate effectively with both legal and non-legal audiences will be crucial.
