At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality legal advice and innovative solutions in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a leading regulatory body shaping the future of legal services.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for mentorship and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public interest and regulatory policy development.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX lawyer with strategic regulatory experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.
Senior Legal Adviser (General Counsel Advice ) - London Base employer: Solicitors Regulation Authority
Join a dynamic and supportive team at the forefront of legal services regulation, where you will engage with intellectually stimulating challenges while contributing to the public interest. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility between home and our London office, fostering a collaborative culture that prioritises employee growth through mentorship and diverse project involvement. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on innovative solutions, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape regulatory policy in a fast-paced environment.
Contact Details:
Solicitors Regulation Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Adviser (General Counsel Advice ) - London Base
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the SRA and its recent projects. Show that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their objectives and how your experience aligns with their needs. We want to see your passion for the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of complex legal scenarios and how you would approach them. During interviews, be ready to discuss your analytical thinking and how you've tackled similar challenges in the past.
✨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 you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at the SRA. Let’s get you that Senior Legal Adviser role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Adviser (General Counsel Advice ) - London Base
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Legal Adviser role. Highlight your experience in regulatory and public law, and show how it aligns with the SRA's objectives. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex legal issues in the past. We love candidates who can think critically and provide innovative solutions, so don't hold back on sharing your success stories!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solicitors Regulation Authority
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legislation 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 how you've tackled complex legal issues in the past. Think about specific cases where your analytical thinking led to innovative solutions. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the intellectually challenging matters mentioned in the job description.
✨Understand the SRA's Objectives
Familiarise yourself with the SRA's strategic objectives and recent initiatives, like the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. Being able to connect your experience and insights to their goals will show that you're aligned with their mission and ready to contribute.
✨Be a Team Player
Since the role involves working closely with colleagues and external stakeholders, be prepared to discuss your collaborative experiences. Highlight times when you've mentored others or worked in a team to achieve a common goal, as this aligns with the supportive culture they value.
