Senior Counsel and Associate Director Legal

Morgan Hunt are currently working with a Healthcare Regulatory Body in their search for an interim Senior Counsel and Associate Director (Legal) to lead the in-house legal advisory function by ensuring that accurate and timely legal advice is provided across the organisation.

You will play an active role in the strategic leadership of the organisation, including providing strategic, risk based and pragmatic legal advice to the Executive Management team and Council.

You will lead on responses to legal challenges, including judicial reviews and appeals, as well as managing the external legal partner while quality assuring advice provided.

You will lead on legal compliance across the organisation and draft new statutory instruments, rules, regulations or standing orders, as well as ensuring that the legislative framework is fit for purpose. You will work with senior internal and external stakeholders to influence DHSC approach to legislative reform, review and provide critical comment on draft legislation.

The role would be perfect for a Qualified and practising Lawyer, with experience in Regulation and Public Law (as well as a range of other legal areas). You will have experience leading a team of Advisory Lawyers, as well as providing strong leadership and strategic direction. Ideally, you will have experience providing advice and support in relation to policy and government consultation.

This is an exciting opportunity to have a large impact in public protection. There is the potential for extension or permanency, and the organisation is also open to this role as a secondment.

Job Title:Senior Counsel and Associate Director (Legal)

Location: Hybrid (2 days per week in London)

Annual Salary: £82,000 - £97,000

Job Type: Fixed-Term Contract (until end of August, potential extension)

Hours: Full-time

Key Responsibilities

• To lead on the provision of legal advice across the organisation, including strategic and high-risk matters, and advice to the Executive team and Council
• Lead the In-house Legal Advisory team to ensure that they provide risk-based, accurate, and timely advice to colleagues in respect of public law matters and other relevant legislation
• Lead on legal compliance across the organisation and draft new statutory instruments, rules, regulations or standing orders
• Lead on responses to legal challenges by and to the organisation, including judicial reviews and appeals brought by the Professional Standards Authority and Employment Tribunal litigation, instructing counsel as appropriate
• Exercise Registrar powers, including in relation to decisions to Rule 9, Interim Order Referral and Voluntary Removal applications
• Procure and effectively manage the relationship with the external legal providers, setting and monitoring realistic KPIs in respect of cost, quality and added value
• Play an active role in the strategic leadership of the organisation and project leadership
• Ensure that the legislative framework is fit for purpose. Working with senior internal and external stakeholders to influence DHSC approach to legislative reform, review and provide critical comment on draft legislation and advise SLT and Council on proposed changes
• Take a leading role in the legal management team including horizon scanning, risk assessment and legal improvement projects

Person Specification

• Qualified and practising solicitor or barrister
• Extensive knowledge of administrative and regulatory law and current legal issues affecting Professional Regulation (human rights, freedom of information, data protection, corporate governance, judicial review, administrative law, European law)
• A solid track record of providing proactive, expert, timely and authoritative legal advice and support to senior leaders and key decision-makers (including Boards)
• Extensive experience of conducting complex litigation, including judicial reviews
• Experience of advising on draft legislation or drafting legislation and knowledge of the law-making process
• Extensive experience of successfully managing and developing a team of lawyers and supporting staff responsible for delivering high quality, timely civil or regulatory casework at best value
• Experience of the procurement/commissioning of external legal advice
• The ability to create strong working relationships at all levels and external stakeholders, including the PSA and Heads of Chambers
• Ability to adequately risk assess and seek out legal improvement projects

Please apply to find out more information regarding this fantastic opportunity for a Senior Counsel and Associate Director (Legal) based in London.

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.