Assistant Counsel (Commercial)

House of Commons; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Civil Service pension

Flexible working options

Job summary

The House of Commons Administration is seeking an Assistant Counsel with strong contract and commercial law expertise to provide advice to departments on construction contracts, procurement and related matters. The role sits in the General Advice Team and requires clear, practical legal guidance.

This hybrid position expects 40% of time in the office, with a civil service pension and generous annual leave. Applicants should be qualified solicitors or barristers in England and Wales and capable

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales with contract & commercial law expertise.
• Strong written and oral communication for complex legal issues.
• Excellent research skills to understand new areas of law.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice on construction contracts, procurement and other commercial contracts.
• Advise departments on general contract and commercial law within the House of Commons.
• Support the General Advice Team with diverse legal matters as needed.

Skills

Contract law

Commercial law

Legal advice

Communication

Research & analysis

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

The House of Commons Administration supports parliamentary democracy by delivering excellent services to the UK Parliament. At the heart of this work is the Office of Speaker's Counsel which provides legal advice to Mr Speaker, the Clerk of the House and teams across the House. The Office comprises of both solicitors and barristers and delivers work across three key areas: general legal advice, scrutiny of domestic legislation, and support for House of Commons Committees. We are seeking an Assistant Counsel who is experienced in commercial law. They will play a key role in our General Advice Team, providing advice and guidance to departments of the House on construction contracts, other commercial contracts and procurement. The general advice team as a whole covers a very wide range of work including issues of Parliamentary privilege, freedom of information, data protection, employment, health and safety, personal injury litigation, copyright and broadcasting. The postholder will also be required to support other members in the team in the provision of legal advice on other matters as necessary

This role is offered on a hybrid working basis, with an expectation of you spending 40% of your time in the office.

Find out more about working at the House of Commons.

Why Join us?

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including but not limited to:

• Generous annual leave starting at 30 days and increasing to 35 after one full working year.
• Enrolment in the excellent Civil Service pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
• Flexible working options that help you find a balance including enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave, caring leave and alternative working patterns.

What We're Looking For

• Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales with sound knowledge of contract and commercial law
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to provide clear and concise legal advice on complex issues
• Strong powers of research and analysis, including the ability to familiarise oneself with a new area of law

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

We may close the vacancy prior to the closing date stated due to a high volume of applications.