Job Title: Counsel to the Joint Committee on Human Rights

Salary: Circa £75,000 per annum
Salary Band: SCS1

The Role

The Office of Speaker’s Counsel provides legal advice to Mr Speaker, the Clerk of the House and all the staff teams in the House.

The Office consists of twelve qualified lawyers (a mixture of solicitors and barristers), with the support of an administrative assistant and a paralegal. Its work divides into general legal advice and the provision of legal advice to committees in their specialist areas.

This post is the senior legal adviser to the Joint Committee on Human Rights, responsible for the provision of specialist legal advice on human rights law and practice, including scrutinising Bills, draft Bills and other policy proposals for their compatibility with human rights, and advising on the legal implications of case law relating to human rights. The post-holder also plays an active role in advising on and preparing proposals for thematic inquiries, and contributing to the management of such inquiries (including analysing evidence submitted to such inquiries and drafting briefs and reports). 

The Person

The successful candidate will have the following skills/experience:

• Substantial post-qualification experience of practice as a barrister or solicitor or as an academic lawyer.
• Specialist knowledge of domestic and international human rights law and treaty processes, together with experience or understanding of parliamentary legislative and committee processes.
• Experience of influencing at senior levels. Ability to negotiate effectively, recognise and resolve issues, manage ambiguity and balance differing interests.
• Qualified to practice as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, or an equivalent qualification from another jurisdiction.

Benefits

Annual leave starting at 28 days pro rata

Interest-free season ticket loan

Child care voucher scheme

Discounted membership of the in-house gym

All applications must be submitted on a House of Commons application form

Tests and Interviews:

Please note Tests will be completed remotely on the 17^th and 18^th July 2017. If successful at test stage the Interviews will take place on the 21^st July 2017.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found on the job description