Purpose of the post:
This is an exciting time for the IMA who is responsible for monitoring whether the UK’s public authorities are providing the rights of EU and EEA EFTA nationals and their family members under the Withdrawal and EEA EFTA Separation Agreements.
You will be required to provide advice to IMA operational colleagues to help inform the IMA’s monitoring and promoting work. The work will primarily involve advising on the Withdrawal Agreement, but may also engage the following areas of law:
Public administrative law.
Judicial review.
International law.
EU law.
Immigration.
Health.
Education.
Social security.
Housing.
The advice will be provided in the context of:
A range of litigation: the IMA was successful in a landmark judicial review of elements of the EU Settlement Scheme, and has undertaken important interventions on novel and contentious questions of interpretation of the Withdrawal Agreement before all courts of the UK, from the county court and tribunals, to the Supreme Court.
IMA inquiries: the IMA has concluded its first inquiry on delays in the issuing of Certificates of Application under the EU Settlement Scheme and has commenced its second on delays in the determination of applications under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Compliance and intelligence work: the IMA carries out a range of compliance and intelligence work looking at the actions of public authorities, identifying where there are problems but also highlighting good practice. This includes looking at the experience of individuals entering the UK, accessing student finance, healthcare and housing assistance, the experience of looked after children and the rules which govern the immigration status of those citizens within our responsibility.
Legislation from each of the different governments across the UK and Gibraltar which cover a range of subjects including student finance, social security, immigration and the recognition of qualifications.
You can read more about this work and more on our website.
We are looking for a Legal Adviser to join our current team of 7 legal staff who form our Legal Directorate and report to our General Counsel.
In addition to leading on legal advice on all aspects of the IMA’s work, including inquiries, litigation, and complaints, the role will involve contributing to the delivery of the IMA’s internal training and guidance. You will also need to develop relationships with colleagues from across the IMA as well as a variety of other public authorities and stakeholders.
The successful applicant will also be responsible for working with external legal service providers and counsel when required, under the direction and oversight of the General Counsel.
You will have the full support of experienced and dedicated colleagues both from within the Legal Directorate and from colleagues across the IMA.
As a Legal Adviser, the post-holder will have support from Senior Legal Adviser colleagues in the team, in particular on more complex and new areas of legal issues and questions.
We offer any tailored learning and development required for you to thrive in this role and you will have support and guidance to progress your legal career.
Essential skills:
You will be
a qualified barrister or solicitor entitled to practise in England and Wales (or due to qualify by September 2025).
You will be able to demonstrate the following:
Sound powers of analysis and the ability to provide legal advice on complex and technical areas of law.
Sound legal judgement including the effective management of legal risk.
Experience of working with and communicating complex legal issues to and influencing senior stakeholders.
an understanding of the main features of public and administrative law.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Making Effective Decisions.
Delivering at Pace.
Developing Self and Others.
Communicating and Influencing.