Acting Senior Legal Adviser (Maternity cover – fixed term contract up to 12 months)

£35,525 - £45,525 per annum dependant on experience (Grade 5)

Legal Team, Stoneleigh Warwickshire

Who are we?

The National Farmers’ Union represents the interests of farmers and growers across England and Wales.  Promoting the interests of farmers and growers, we aim to influence decision making at the highest levels to create an environment in which our members can be successful. 

About the role

As Acting Senior Legal Adviser, you will work across a wide and varied portfolio of legal areas, ensuring timely and high quality advice is provided to a range of stakeholders including NFU employees, the Officeholder team, and members.  As well as managing your own portfolio of issues you will take the lead on nominated areas, to ensure legal advice supports NFU objectives as far as possible.

In this role, you will assist the Chief Legal Adviser with the supervision of the team’s Trainee Solicitor. In addition, you will take on other management responsibilities as directed by the Chief Legal Adviser and will deputise for the Chief Adviser as and when required.

You will need to hold a law degree (2:1 or above), or a non-law degree (2:1 or above) and a CPE/GDL qualification, and be a qualified Solicitor or barrister with at least 2 years post qualification experience.  You should have a proven track record advising clients in two or more of the following areas; Animals / Animal Health, Company, Employment, Environment, Regulatory, Property, Litigation / ADR, Contracts, Tort, Competition, Administrative / Public, EU, CAP Schemes, Insolvency, Rights of Way and Commons. You will be an excellent communicator; able to interpret and relay complex areas of law into materials that can be widely understood and utilised in support of NFU goals. Previous management or supervisory experience is desirable and the post holder will be expected to be possess a knowledge of, or be keen to develop an interest in, rural and agricultural issues.

You must be able to work flexibly across a wide range of legal issues, and be able to tailor your legal advice to meet the needs of the recipient.  Experience of advising clients at all levels of a business, up to and including Board level, would be an advantage.

Why join our team?

Working for the NFU means working alongside great people, who are recognised for their knowledge and expertise. We offer 25 days annual leave (plus statutory bank holidays), free parking, a contributory pension scheme, a range of discounts through our NFU Benefits employee portal and a subsidised staff restaurant.

If you feel you have the right skills for this role, then please download an application form from our website at http://www.nfuonline.com/careers/nfu-jobs/. For any queries, please contact Dayna Ashmore via email Dayna.Ashmore@nfu.org.uk or by telephone on 02476 858742.

Closing date:                      4th August 2016

Interview Date:                    8^th and 9th August 2016

The NFU is an Equal Opportunities employer and values diversity.