Defamation Lawyer- (Senior) Associate

We defend, define, and change the law to protect the environment, uphold democracy and ensure no one is left behind.

Defamation Law Lawyer

Deadline for applications: 11.59pm 25 February 2024

About Good Law Practice

Good Law Practice is a not-for-profit law firm that uses the law for a better world. We are independent and SRA-regulated. We are a relatively new organisation with a friendly, energetic, and motivated team. We are hiring a defamation law specialist to join us as a pivotal member of our legal team, playing a vital role in defending the voices of activists against threats from wealthy individuals or corporations while actively countering attempts to stifle public participation.

The Practice was set up by Good Law Project (GLP), who retain ownership. GLP is our main client, but we also act for other clients in the NGO, campaign, and Not for Profit sectors. GLP is a not-for-profit campaign organisation which uses the law to hold power to account, protect the environment, and ensure no one is left behind. GLP had a primary role in overturning the prorogation of Parliament in 2019, shone a bright light on the Government’s awarding of lucrative Covid contracts to their friends and associates, and is working with activists who are being silenced in the Crown Courts and being subjected to injunction proceedings.

Good Law Practice shares the GLP’s values of bravery, honesty and decisiveness and is similarly committed to the highest possible standard of ethical conduct in all its activities.

About the role

Salary: £60,000 per annum, dependent on experience and expertise, with generous benefits including enhanced pension contribution and private medical insurance, 25 days annual holidays plus public holidays.

Hours: 35 per week over 5 days. This is a full-time role, but we would be willing to consider flexible and/or part-time options.

Contract type: Fixed-term for three years after completion of four month probationary period, with potential for extension or a permanent contract subject to performance and impact

Location: London office with flexibility for home working albeit some office presence will be necessary.

This is a very exciting and unique opportunity to join Good Law Practice to create and develop a workstream that will protect civil society’s ability to speak truth to power and demand accountability. Those who speak up against the powerful are often subject to intimidating legal threats and have very few resources to protect themselves. The not-for-profit nature of Practice, along with the support of GLP, means that you will be in a strong position to work with a wide range of clients, many of whom would not ordinarily be able to access legal advice.

The role requires a qualified lawyer with a minimum of 5 years post qualified experience in defamation law. The person must have considerable experience of running their own litigation and have a minimal need for supervision on day-to-day casework. However, we also offer excellent training, supervision where needed and the opportunity to progress. You will report to the Managing Director of the Practice.

The successful candidate will be proactive, have a sense of adventure, and feel comfortable within a dynamic, rapid-paced environment. The full job description and person specification is located at the end of this job pack.

If you are a dedicated defamation law lawyer with a passion for advocating for activists, defending freedom of speech, and countering SLAPP cases, we invite you to join our team and contribute to making a lasting impact on justice, free expression, and public participation.