At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality legal advice and innovative solutions in a dynamic regulatory environment.
- Company: Join a leading organisation shaping the future of legal services regulation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public interest and regulatory policy development.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in regulatory/public law.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with mentorship opportunities and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Senior Lawyer to join our General Counsel Advice team. This is a hybrid role working from home and in our Birmingham or London office.
What's in it for me
- Work in a fast‑paced environment at the forefront of legal services regulation; supporting the delivery of the SRA's strategic objectives.
- Deal with intellectually challenging matters in a complex legal framework.
- Support the regulation of the profession, protecting and promoting the public interest, and help shape and implement our responses to new challenges.
- Work on a variety of projects with teams across the SRA, using problem solving and analytical thinking to solve legal and practical problems.
- A broad and varied workload, with a core focus on public law and regulatory policy development.
- Advise colleagues from across the business on a whole range of discrete legal issues affecting the business, working within a close-knit, friendly and supportive team.
The Team
The General Counsel Advice team is part of the General Counsel Directorate within the SRA. It is responsible for the provision of legal advice (apart from enforcement and employment law matters) to the SRA, staff, operational units and senior management. The team plays a major role in providing strategic advice on a wide range of regulatory policy development projects for the SRA. It also provides support to the wider organisation and the operations of the SRA, dealing with legal issues and queries which arise. In recent years the team has played a key role in:
- The development and implementation of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination including policy and operational matters.
- Advising on the impact of recent and ongoing activity in the space of sanctions and anti-money laundering.
- Our most recent consultation on "Protecting the client money that solicitors hold".
- Supporting the development of changes to our regulatory arrangements including the implementation of new fining powers and the creation of the new rules and guidance related to wellbeing at work.
- Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys, a high-profile case which looked at the work a non‑authorised individual is able to undertake.
The Role
As a Senior Lawyer (Senior Legal Adviser as the role is known internally) in the General Counsel Advice team, you will provide high quality, effective and timely advice on queries received by the team. This will include advising upon the legal obligations and regulatory powers available to the organisation, including interpreting statutes (including the Solicitors Act 1974, Administration of Justice Act 1985, and Legal Services Act 2007), delegated legislation and procedures, and how they practically apply to the work of the SRA. You will help to provide innovative solutions to complex legal problems, touching on a variety of areas of law. This may include drafting new professional rules and guidance and advising on the SRA's own operations. You will work closely with our team members and others across the organisation, as well as with external stakeholders including external counsel and solicitors. You will supervise, mentor and coach others in the team, encouraging a high-performance culture by sharing knowledge and expertise across the team and wider business. In the future there may also be the opportunity to line‑manage other lawyers in the team.
The successful candidate will be a self‑starter who is proactive, has a high level of attention to detail and can demonstrate a track record of delivering quality results.
Qualifications
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX lawyer, admitted in England and Wales.
- Experience of providing high quality strategic regulatory/public law advice and drafting in an equivalent regulatory and / or public law environment.
- Track record of leading and delivering solutions, taking accountability for the successful and timely resolution of very complex issues.
- Understanding of SRA objectives, key deliverables and how to connect this with the political landscape.
- Pragmatic and able to work collaboratively with legal and non-legal colleagues, including at senior level.
Location & Working Arrangements
The General Counsel Advice team is primarily based in our Birmingham offices. We are recruiting for this role in our Birmingham and London offices. This is a hybrid role. You will be based in the office nearest to your location, with the expectation of working 1‑2 days a week in the office and the remainder of the week from home. If based in London, regular travel will be required to our Headquarters office in Birmingham.
Flexible Working
We welcome applicants who may be looking to achieve a balance between their personal and professional life. We are looking to appoint on a full‑time basis (35 hours per week), however we will consider candidates seeking part‑time work. The team has a variety of working patterns, including compressed hours, and we would be happy to talk about flexible working.
Application Process
Closing date for applications is 19 January 2026 at 09:00. We encourage any interested applicants to apply as soon as possible as we may choose to close the application period early if sufficient applications are received. Shortlisting and interview process will take place during February 2026. Please click 'apply' to complete the online application form and upload a CV and cover letter, addressing how you meet the requirements of the role, in particular what is highlighted in the 'what we are looking for' section.
Senior Legal Adviser (General Counsel Advice ) - London Base in City of London employer: Solicitors Regulation Authority
Contact Detail:
Solicitors Regulation Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Adviser (General Counsel Advice ) - London Base in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into the SRA or similar organisations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current legal issues and the SRA's objectives. Show us you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the role and how you can contribute to the team’s success.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Adviser (General Counsel Advice ) - London Base in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Legal Adviser role. Highlight your experience in regulatory and public law, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects you've worked on that align with our objectives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for our General Counsel Advice team. Be specific about how you can contribute to our mission.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: We love candidates who can think outside the box! In your application, share examples of complex legal problems you've solved in the past. This will demonstrate your analytical thinking and ability to provide innovative solutions.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! We might close applications early if we get enough interest. Head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can to avoid missing out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solicitors Regulation Authority
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key statutes and regulations relevant to the role, like the Solicitors Act 1974 and the Legal Services Act 2007. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the law but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex legal issues you've tackled in the past. Think about how you approached these problems and what innovative solutions you provided. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and deliver results under pressure.
✨Understand the SRA's Objectives
Familiarise yourself with the SRA's strategic goals and how they connect to the wider political landscape. Being able to articulate how your experience aligns with their objectives will set you apart as a candidate who truly understands the organisation.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Since this role involves working closely with both legal and non-legal colleagues, prepare to discuss your collaborative experiences. Highlight times when you successfully worked in a team or mentored others, showcasing your ability to foster a high-performance culture.
