Deputy Counsel

House of Commons

The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

The Office of Speaker's Counsel provides legal advice to Mr Speaker, the Clerk of the House, Committees of the House of Commons, all the staff in the House and joint departments of the Commons and Lords.

The Office consists of twenty-six qualified lawyers with the support of a full-time trainee legal executive and an executive assistant. Its work falls into three main areas: general legal advice, scrutiny of domestic legislation, and support for Select Committees.

The Role

This role is a senior position in the General Advice team of the Office of Speaker's Counsel, suitable for an experienced legal adviser. It covers a wide portfolio which may include support for the Restoration and Renewal project, information law, safeguarding issues, Parliamentary privilege, contracts and procurement, employment, security, intellectual property, personal injury cases, the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme, and any other matters that may arise.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• To advise on the application of data protection legislation in the Parliamentary context
• To support Deputy Speaker's Counsel in advising on responses to Freedom of Information Act and other information law requests
• To advise the House of Commons Safeguarding Board
• To support the Restoration and Renewal Client Team and the Strategic Estates team on matters requiring legal advice.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Substantial experience of legal practice, including in particular expertise in interpreting and applying data protection legislation.
• Good general knowledge of the law of England and Wales
• Excellent written communication skills, setting out advice clearly and authoritatively to Members, staff and external bodies
• Strong powers of research and analysis
• Solicitor or barrister qualified in England and Wales.

• Application Form - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1-6 in the Job Description.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

For more information about the role, or for an informal chat, contact (hiring manager)

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