Your newpanyYou’ll be joining a national public body operating at the heart of policy and regulation in England, with a remit that has a direct impact on thousands of individuals and the wider public interest. They are looking for a Senior Legal Advisor to join their team in Bristol on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The organisation operates in aplex, fast‑paced regulatory environment and is recognised for the quality of its legal advice, itsmitment to public value, and its inclusive, flexible approach to work. This is an opportunity to use your legal expertise in a role thatbines regulatory oversight, public law, and strategic influence, while working alongside senior leaders and subject‑matter experts.
Your new roleAs Senior Legal Adviser, you will lead the delivery of high‑quality legal advice across a broad and evolving regulatory landscape. You will act as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders, supporting key organisational decisions and helping to shape how regulatory powers are exercised.
Your responsibilities will include:
1. Leading on the provision of legal advice across a wide range of public law and regulatory matters
2. Advising on statutory duties, regulatory decision‑making, enforcement activity and information‑gathering powers
3. Supporting the leadership of the legal function, including contributing to priority initiatives and ways of working
4. Managing and developing junior legal colleagues to ensure consistent, timely and robust advice
5. Working closely with internal policy teams and external legal advisers, owning and maintaining key relationships
The role offers significant autonomy, visibility and intellectual challenge, with exposure to work that is closely scrutinised and publicly accountable.
What you’ll need to succeedYou will be a qualified solicitor or barrister with demonstrable experience in public law and/or regulatory environments. While your background may be in a different sector, you will bring strong, transferable expertise and sound legal judgment.
You’ll also need:
6. Experience in at least two of the following areas:Public lawConsumer protection lawHuman rights lawInterpretation of regulatory frameworks ( licence conditions or equivalent)Sector‑specific legislation relating to a regulatorInvestigation and enforcement in a regulatory context
7. Excellent written and verbalmunication skills, with the ability to conveyplex legal issues clearly
8. Confidence operating at senior level and influencing decision‑making
9. A proactive, collaborative mindset and the ability to deliver quality advice at pace
This role will suit someone who enjoysplexity, values public impact, and thrives in a changing regulatory environment.
What you’ll get in returnIn return, you’ll receive:
10. Excellent defined‑benefit pension
11. Hybrid working, typically 2–3 days per week in the office
12. A supportive culture with flexible, part‑time and job‑share options
13. Applications weed on a secondment basis
Most importantly, you’ll be working in a role where your legal expertise will have meaningful, visible impact. Please contact Harriet Chapman at Hays Legal on 0117 374 6300 for further information.
Interested in applying?If you’re a senior legal professional seeking a high‑profile public law or regulatory role with genuine purpose, we’d wee your application. Apply now to take the next step in your legal career. #4788822 - Harriet Chapman