Overview
We are Britain's national equality regulator and a United Nations-accredited 'A status' national human rights institution. We are committed to upholding individuals' rights without fear or favour. Using the full force of our legal powers, we challenge breaches of the law and protect people from unfair or unequal treatment. We also offer advice on law development and provide guidance, training, and support to help organisations meet their legal obligations. As a regulator, we adopt an agile, independent, and evidence-driven approach to defend individuals from unfair treatments of the law. Our work includes providing practical support, guidance and training to organisations to help them comply with their legal responsibilities. Collaboration is central to our work. We engage with governments, employers and a wide range of organisations, ensuring our approach is evidence-driven while maintaining impartiality. Our Strategic Plan for 2025-2028 reinforces our commitment to using our powers where we can have the greatest impact. As an effective and impartial regulator, we aim to address the most pressing equality and human rights challenges. Joining us means contributing to a fairer society where everyone can exercise their rights, free from discrimination.
Role and Responsibilities
Performing a key role in the Litigation and Advisory Team within our Legal Directorate, the Principal Lawyer will be responsible for a mix of legal advisory work, litigation, enforcement work and legal input to compliance work.
* Provide specialist technical expertise and advice on equality and human rights law
* Work as part of a team who conduct cutting-edge litigation and interventions across a range of appellate courts often on untested areas of equality and human rights law
* Provide legal advice and support to other teams on complex issues across the Commission including those working on inquiries, policy initiatives, UN treaty monitoring and parliamentary work, guidance and website materials
* Lead and/or input into responses to consultations and select committees
* Provide advice on and input into new and emerging human rights and equality issues, for example in the area of artificial intelligence
Requirements and Qualifications
* Be a qualified solicitor or barrister entitled to practise in England and Wales with substantial relevant experience
* Experience in conducting litigation mainly autonomously but seeking supervisory support where required
* Experience of analysing information and evidence and providing legal expertise and advice on equality and human rights law
* Ability to translate complex legal concepts and advice into clear, concise language and draft accessible, user-friendly documents for both internal and external audiences
* Experience representing the Commission with external stakeholders, including within government, assessing risks and using sound judgement in negotiations and interaction with external bodies, including those we regulate
Travel, Travel and Offices
You may be responsible for supervising the work of others and this role will require travel and engagement with colleagues in the Commission's offices including Glasgow, London and Manchester.
Security and Nationality
Security: Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks. Nationality requirements apply as outlined in the job posting.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary: £55,907. Equality and Human Rights Commission contributes £16,196 towards Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. We offer a competitive salary, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, access to the Civil Service Pension Scheme and partnership pension schemes, and career development opportunities through Civil Service Learning, peer learning, specialist training and mentoring. We also provide family-friendly benefits, flexible working including non-contractual hybrid working, wellbeing support, employee assistance programme, health checks, gym memberships, retail discounts, cycle to work scheme, and salary sacrifice options. We have staff networks and social groups.
#J-18808-Ljbffr