Solicitor

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Solicitor to join our Commercial Legal & Procurement Department based in Wilmslow on a full time, permanent basis. Part time or job share would also be considered for this role. As our Solicitor you will receive a salary £42,509 per annum (pro-rata for part-time)) plus pension and excellent benefits.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the UK’s independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals.

As our Solicitor you will join the existing solicitors and procurement officers to provide legal advice on a full range of contracts and procurement matters, including a range of services agreements, IT contracts, confidentiality agreements, licenses and other commercial matters as required.

Responsibilities as our Solicitor will include:

- Ensuring that appropriate and effective legal advice and services are provided to the ICO on data protection, freedom of information and other appropriate and relevant aspects of the law as it affects the work of the ICO.

- Developing specialist knowledge in each area of operations by focussing on legal work derived from various departments for a period of time

- Resolving complex legal and policy issues and make decisions on the basis of delegated authority from the Commissioner where appropriate.

- Providing advice to decision makers regarding possible solutions, options and issues which need to be considered by them.

- Effectively managing a caseload of on-going legal issues/cases/queries

- Liaising with case officers, managers and decision makers with regard to on-going legal matters.

- Ensuring the ICO is professionally represented externally in court/tribunal hearings, at key meetings and at public speaking engagements.

- Adding value to the wider operation of the ICO by participating in projects and providing advice on the creation of various policies and procedures.

- Overseeing the legal aspects of the work flow of support staff and ensure that such work is performed to the required standards.

Our ideal Solicitor will have:

- At least 2 years post qualification experience and you will also need up to date knowledge of current trends and practices within public sector procurement.

- Experience of drafting and reviewing contracts and providing support to colleagues negotiating various contracts.

- Experience of using Government frameworks as the majority of ICO’s contracts are either below EU threshold or procured through such frameworks.

- Excellent interpersonal skills and be comfortable advising the most senior of staff.

- Excellent written communication skills, attention to detail and an ability to deal with a demanding workload and conflicting demands on your time.

- An awareness of or experience of public sector work would be advantageous.

- Be confident in dealing with a range of internal clients at various levels within the organisation, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to assess risk in a commercial way.

Interviews for this post are expected to take place on Thursday 26 July 2018.

The ICO is committed to Equal Opportunities in employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

If you feel you have the skills and experience to become a Solicitor with ICO then please click ‘apply’ now.