Senior Legal Counsel 12 Month FTC

4788822
  • Job type

    Contract
  • Location

    Bristol
  • Working Pattern

    Flexible Working,Full-time
  • Specialism

    Public Sector / Not For Profit
  • Industry

    Legal
  • Pay

    £76,000 - £80,000

Senior Legal Counsel Public Law | Bristol | 12‑month Fixed‑Term Contract

Your new company
You’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 a complex, fast‑paced regulatory environment and is recognised for the quality of its legal advice, its commitment to public value, and its inclusive, flexible approach to work. This is an opportunity to use your legal expertise in a role that combines regulatory oversight, public law, and strategic influence, while working alongside senior leaders and subject‑matter experts.

Your new role
As 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:
  • Leading on the provision of legal advice across a wide range of public law and regulatory matters
  • Advising on statutory duties, regulatory decision‑making, enforcement activity and information‑gathering powers
  • Supporting the leadership of the legal function, including contributing to priority initiatives and ways of working
  • Managing and developing junior legal colleagues to ensure consistent, timely and robust advice
  • 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 succeed
You 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:
  • Experience in at least two of the following areas:
    • Public law
    • Consumer protection law
    • Human rights law
    • Interpretation of regulatory frameworks (e.g. licence conditions or equivalent)
    • Sector‑specific legislation relating to a regulator
    • Investigation and enforcement in a regulatory context
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal issues clearly
  • Confidence operating at senior level and influencing decision‑making
  • A proactive, collaborative mindset and the ability to deliver quality advice at pace
This role will suit someone who enjoys complexity, values public impact, and thrives in a changing regulatory environment.

What you’ll get in return
In return, you’ll receive:
  • Excellent defined‑benefit pension
  • Hybrid working, typically 2–3 days per week in the office
  • A supportive culture with flexible, part‑time and job‑share options
  • Applications welcomed 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 welcome your application. Apply now to take the next step in your legal career.

Apply for this job

Talk to Harriet Chapman, the specialist consultant managing this position

Located in Bristol, 2nd Floor, 3 Temple Quay, Temple Back EastTelephone 0117 374 6300
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