At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice and support for Mencap's Personal Support Services.
- Company: Join Mencap, a leading charity advocating for people with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days paid holiday, discounts, health plans, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Remote work with occasional travel; dynamic team culture focused on inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities.
- Qualifications: Solicitor or Barrister with 5+ years PQE in dispute resolution and housing law.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
We have an exciting full-time, permanent opportunity for a Senior Legal Adviser to join our Legal Services Team. A small, dedicated team of Lawyers central to the work of Mencap across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work closely with Mencap’s Teams and Directorates across the organisation to ensure that they operate safely and securely, providing advice on complex issues.
At Mencap, we offer flexibility about where the role is undertaken. In this case, the role is mainly undertaken remotely, but a willingness to travel to the Peterborough and London Offices from time to time for meetings is essential. Occasionally, it will be necessary to travel nationwide. We would also consider a 4 day week for the right candidate.
The Senior Legal Adviser will provide high quality and robust legal advice and assistance to support Mencap’s Personal Support (PS) Service Operations Teams for England, Wales and Northern Ireland:
- with mainly contentious matters arising within the PS Services; and
- ensuring the provision of suitable housing agreements are in place.
The Senior Legal Adviser will represent the Legal Services in advising and producing correspondence and documentation for the Operations Teams on some contentious matters, which arise from time to time. They will further give advice and support to managers on a range of matters relating to the delivery of our services, including housing arrangements; service level agreements and housing management agreements; property maintenance, insurance; data protection; small claims and legal challenges against Mencap’s PS Services.
This individual will be working with external parties also, including external Experts, Commissioning Authorities, NHS Trusts and Boards, Brokers and Insurers, Housing Providers and Emergency Services.
Qualifications:
For this role, you would need to be a Solicitor or Barrister qualified to practise in England, preferably holding a practising certificate. Previous in-house experience would be viewed positively.
Essential key skills, experience & abilities required for this role:
- 5+ years PQE, gained in dispute resolution and property and housing law.
- Excellent dispute resolution and claims handling skills.
- Solid awareness of GDPR provisions.
- Experience and good technical expertise in housing law.
- Analytical thinker and problem-solving skills.
- Confident and effective communicator across all levels and understand how to share insights with stakeholders.
- Excellent time management and strong collaborator.
- Dynamic self-starter, with a sound ability to manage your own workload.
First stage interviews are being held via TEAMS w/c 23rd or w/c 30th November.
Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.
About Mencap: Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live their lives to the full. We campaign for a fairer society. We work with families and partners to build inclusive communities. And we deliver the services people need to live their lives. Everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere. Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation. Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes. Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves. We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long-term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies. We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.
£12.71 per hour + excellent Mencap benefits £24785 per annum (Pro-rata) + excellent Mencap Benefits
Senior Legal Adviser (PS Services & Housing) in London employer: Royal Mencap Society
Mencap is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for its employees in Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer generous benefits such as 24 days of paid holiday, flexible working hours, and access to health cash plans, ensuring our team feels valued. Our commitment to personal growth means that regardless of your background, you'll receive the training and support needed to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Adviser (PS Services & Housing) 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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✨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 Senior Legal Adviser (PS Services & Housing) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Royal Mencap Society, 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 Royal Mencap Society and the specific role of Senior Legal Adviser (PS Services & Housing). 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 Royal Mencap Society’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Mencap Society
✨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 Royal Mencap Society.
✨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 Royal Mencap Society.
