Purpose of job
Birketts is looking to recruit a solicitor or barrister to join our growing Professional Discipline and Regulation team. The individual will be part of a team who sit on professional conduct /fitness to practice hearings to advise panels, advise professional regulatory bodies and also advise individual professionals who are subject to disciplinary proceedings by their professional regulatory body. This is a great opportunity to join our Professional Discipline and Regulation team, to sit on professional conduct panel hearings, and to assist with the day-to-day management, growth and development of the wider team.
Experience in professional discipline and regulation matters is desirable. Experience in criminal law and general regulatory matters is also advantageous but not critical.
The candidate
The successful candidate will have a good understanding of the law relating to professional disciplinary and regulation, but training will be provided. The candidate must be able to work under pressure when attending and advising during professional conduct hearings and must be able to write clearly and succinctly.
This role would be ideal for a barrister who is looking for the stability and employment benefits that accompany working for a law firm whilst providing a role which offers a quasi-judicial setting in respect of advising professional conduct panels whilst they preside over professional conduct hearings. Similarly, the role would suit a solicitor who is interested in pursuing a Professional Regulation and Discipline practice and taking a leading role in growing and developing our existing team and client base.
Qualifications/Experience
We are looking to recruit an individual who has the drive and commitment to assist Birketts’ in the continued growth and development of our Professional Discipline and Regulation practice and to become an essential core member of our team. You will be involved in a range of knowledge management and business development activities, including supporting on tenders/pitches, drafting sector-relevant articles for our own and external publications.
The role offers future career progression opportunities for the right candidate who demonstrates a strong business case during their time as a Senior Associate / Legal Director.
1. 3 + years PQE gained within a strong regional, national or city firm or chambers.
2. Interest in and aptitude for business development and growth opportunities.
3. A strong drive to produce work/documentation which is consistently of a high standard.
4. To have a flexible approach to work to ensure client deadlines are always met and clients are communicated with on a consistent and regular basis.
5. To have a flexible approach to work location. The individual will be able to work from home for part of the week but will be required to attend in person hearings in London and Coventry and stay overnight between hearing days, as necessary.
Equal opportunities
We are committed to recruiting individuals on merits of suitability for each role, on the basis of qualifications and experience. All applications are treated fairly and equally regardless of sexual orientation, race, disability, religious beliefs and any other protected characteristic, ensuring that there are equal opportunities at all stages of the recruitment process.
Benefits
One of the best things about joining Birketts is our rewards package. At Birketts we are appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. A competitive salary and benefits package is given but you can also expect a great team and supportive colleagues, a strong focus on diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, a programme of wellbeing and mental health support and structured career development and study support.
6. 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays rising with service. (SA + 30 days)
7. Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
8. Private Healthcare - BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
9. Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
10. Staff Profit Share / Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
11. Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
12. Paid CSR day
13. Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
14. Season Ticket Loan
15. Gym Flex membership
16. Electric car scheme
17. Dress for your Day Policy
18. Agile Working Policy
19. 35 hour working week
Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.