At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal strategy and provide expert advice to support decision-making across the UK's largest trade union.
- Company: Join UNISON, the leading public services trade union in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on legal services that protect members' rights and livelihoods.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with 15+ years of experience in complex legal environments.
The predicted salary is between 103119 - 103119 £ per year.
- Director of Legal
- £103,119 pa + benefits
- London, NW1
If you’re a highly experienced legal leader with a proven track record of operating at the most senior level – managing complex legal risk and delivering strategic outcomes at scale – this
Director of Legal role is an opportunity to exercise all your independent professional judgement and provide objective legal advice that supports decision-making across the UK’s largest trade union.
The
Director of Legal is accountable for the development, implementation, reporting and evaluation of our legal strategy, legal services and compliance framework.
As a member of the senior leadership team, you’ll be contributing to the union’s strategic and operational management.
As principal legal adviser, you’ll provide advice and guidance to the Executive Leadership Team, NEC, National Service Groups, Departments and Regions on: legal strategy and risk; Governance and Rulebook compliance; strategic litigation and member representation; data protection and regulatory requirements.
You’ll also lead and manage Legal Services, the Professional Services Unit and Data Protection, ensuring resources are directed to deliver high-quality, strategic and proactive legal, regulatory and representational services, aligned to UNISON’s objectives.
This includes oversight of specialist services supporting members facing professional regulatory and fitness to practise proceedings, helping to protect members\' professional registration, employment and livelihoods.
- What we’re looking for
- Qualified Solicitor of England and Wales, or Barrister, with a minimum of 15 years’ post-qualification experience including providing strategic legal advice, leading legal services and managing complex legal risk within a large and complex organisation.
- Comprehensive, in-depth understanding of trade union law and governance, employment and industrial law, including litigation, together with knowledge of data protection and regulatory frameworks and the wider legal issues affecting trade unions and their members.
- Ability to analyse and interpret highly complex legal, regulatory, governance and organisational issues – exercising sound judgement to develop practical solutions in high-risk and politically sensitive situations.
- Proven experience of identifying and managing legal and organisational risk.
- Proven experience of developing and delivering organisation-wide strategies.
- Very highly developed leadership, influencing, negotiation and advocacy skills, with the credibility and judgement to influence decision-making.
- Extensive experience of advising senior leadership, governance bodies and democratic committees on complex legal, employment, litigation and organisational risk matters, and communicating these effectively to a wide range of audiences.
- Extensive experience of leading, managing and developing professional legal teams, ensuring high performance, effective resource planning, and the delivery of high-quality legal services aligned to organisational priorities.
- Experience of managing complex projects, significant budgets and contracts with external service providers.
- Experience of managing competing organisational priorities and resources in a complex and changing environment.
- About UNISON
UNISON is the UK’s leading public services trade union, with over 1.3 million members working in the public sector, private, voluntary and community sectors and in the energy services.
We employ approximately 1,200 staff, with around 370 at our national centre in Euston in central London and the remainder in our 12 regions across the UK, including Northern Ireland.
UNISON is a dynamic, progressive union, committed to equality.
We encourage men and women of all ages, Black and minority ethnic groups, disabled people, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to work with us.
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Director of Legal employer: UNISON
UNISON is an excellent employer that prioritises diversity and inclusion, fostering a collaborative work culture where every voice is valued. With a strong commitment to employee growth, UNISON offers numerous opportunities for professional development within the not-for-profit sector, making it a meaningful place to contribute to impactful projects in IT infrastructure. Located in a vibrant community, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Legal
✨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.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including UNISON, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Legal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at UNISON, 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 UNISON and the specific role of Director of Legal. 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 UNISON’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at UNISON
✨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 UNISON.
✨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 UNISON.
