We are looking for two experienced, highly capable lawyers to work across the two organisations that support the Investigatory Powers Commissioner in meeting his statutory functions: the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO) and the Office for Communications Data Authorisations (OCDA). If you feel ready for a new challenge and want to join a small team where you can make a big impact, then we would be delighted to hear from you.

The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 established the office of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner (‘IPC’) and provides for the appointment of Judicial Commissioners (JCs) to approve and oversee the use of investigatory powers by public authorities. The current IPC is Sir Brian Leveson.

The IPC and JCs are supported by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO), an independent arm’s length body that provides oversight and authorisation of the use of investigatory powers by intelligence agencies, police forces and other public authorities.

The IPC is also responsible for the work of the Office for Communications Data Authorisations (OCDA). OCDA considers applications for the acquisition of communications data from law enforcement and public authorities. The team, which comprises around 100 members of staff, is located across two offices in Birmingham and Manchester.

The postholders will be responsible for the provision of legal advice to the IPC, JCs, CEOs and Inspectors, and for managing the provision of advice and guidance to public authorities who use investigatory powers.

One post holder will report to the Head of Legal and be expected to work from IPCO’s London office. The second post based at OCDA in Manchester currently reports to the OCDA CEO, although this may change in future.

You will need to be sufficiently experienced to advise and maintain the confidence of the Judicial Commissioners (all of whom are retired senior judges), Inspectors and authorising officers. You will need to be able to challenge senior decision makers in public authorities as well as wider stakeholder groups on contentious matters or where there is significant internal or external disagreement.

With the ability to think strategically and creatively, you’ll see legal issues in their wider context and advise accordingly. Plus, you’ll have a sound understanding of public and human rights law, reliable legal judgement and appreciation of legal risk.

You’ll possess a good understanding of the role of lawyers in an arm’s length body. Capable of sound analysis, you’ll harness secure legal research to produce advice that’s both timely and fit for purpose.

If you feel ready for a new challenge, then we would be delighted to hear from you.