Skip to main content

This job has expired

Head of Legal Team and Litigation

Employer
Trade Remedies Authority (TRA)
Location
Reading, Berkshire
Salary
£61,863 - £72,226
Closing date
26 Jul 2021

View more

Practice area
Civil litigation
Contract type
Permanent
Hours
Full time
PQE
4 years, 5 years, 6 years, 7 years+
Position
Solicitor
Sector
Public sector/Charities

Head of Legal Team and Litigation

Reading

Salary: £61,863 - £72,226

Permanent

About us

The UK’s exit from the European Union has created the need for a brand-new investigative body. The European Commission handled trade remedies on behalf of the UK, but now, for the first time in many decades, the UK is taking on the task of investigating unfair international trade practices and import practices such as dumping (selling goods overseas at prices lower than in the domestic market), and industrial subsidies. These practices, along with unexpected surges in imports, can damage UK industries.

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) was created as an arm’s-length body of the Department for International Trade (DIT) to undertake this work. It is within this forward-thinking organisation that you could find an exceptional opportunity.

The role

This is a high-profile opportunity to shape the success of the UK’s Trade Remedies Authority. Our investigations are at the heart of our work and their success relies on the expert and dependable advice of our legal team.

As Head of Legal Team and Litigation, you will lead the conduct and management of any appeals and other litigation relating to trade remedies, and also advise on investigations. Managing a team of three or four lawyers, you will set the strategic direction for your team and act as an inspirational leader and mentor.

You will be responsible for coordinating the TRA’s response to any litigation on trade remedies, including our response to statutory appeals at the Upper Tribunal and judicial reviews at the Administrative Court, as well as any onward appeals to the Court of Appeal and potentially the Supreme Court. It will be your remit to make sure both the litigation team and the organisation as a whole is operationally ready for litigation.  We’ll look to you to provide guidance to both legal and non-legal colleagues to improve their understanding of this area and to build and develop relationships with external stakeholders including counsel and the tribunal and courts system. You will also support our work advising the Department for International Trade in respect of disputes on trade remedies brought before the WTO Dispute Settlement Body.

We’ll expect you to play an active part in the leadership of the legal function – not to mention the wider organisation. We’re looking for someone with the curiosity and energy to take on projects and initiatives beyond their immediate business role. Your vision will help to support the TRA’s values of Integrity, Transparency, Inclusion and Expertise and deliver on our strategic goals and business plan priorities.

About you

We are looking for a highly skilled, capable and talented lawyer who is qualified to practice in England and Wales. You will need to demonstrate experience of managing litigation, including providing clear, high quality and timely instructions to counsel, managing court deadlines effectively and preparing high-quality submissions to court. 

Your excellent judgement and strong analytical skills will stand you in good stead working within comparatively uncharted territory for the UK. You’ll be keen to learn about this new area of law and understand how it interacts with World Trade Organization (WTO) law. As a learning organisation, we’re passionate about development and we’ll expect you to be proactive in developing your legal skills in this area.

As a leader, you will be visible and approachable – and as a communicator, you will need to be able to convey thoughts and ideas clearly both verbally and in writing – simplifying complexities so others can understand. Above all, you will be flexible and versatile, able to adapt quickly to changes in work and environment. You will need to either already have experience of managing lawyers or be able to demonstrate an ability to manage, with a strong focus on coaching and developing your team and building their capability in trade remedies and public law.

Based in Reading (a few minutes from the main railway station), we are a small, friendly organisation with a passion for our innovative work. Join us and you will find career-defining opportunities to shape best practice and get the chance to tackle ground-breaking challenges. In return for your dedication and expertise, you’ll receive a generous rewards package including access to the Civil Service Pension, one of the best of its kind.

Closing date: Monday 2nd August 2021.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert