Junior Legal Counsel

Overview

In this in-house role, you join UKHSA’s legal team to provide strategic, solutions-focused advice across life sciences, information law and public health law. You’ll support cross-functional teams on contracts, data protection, FOI and outbreak-related matters within a mission to protect public health. The role offers exposure to diverse legal work in a collaborative environment, with opportunities to develop specialist expertise in areas central to UKHSA’s mission. You’ll work closely with scientists, policy and operations to drive meaningful health outcomes.

Pay / Benefits

• hybrid working
• flexible working opportunities

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice in life sciences, information law and public health law
• Support CVCD vaccine sector industry engagement programme (Moderna/UK Strategic Partnership)
• Advise on contractual and regulatory matters for life sciences collaborations
• Advise on data protection and freedom of information matters
• Support outbreak management activities and public health legislation interpretation
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams
• Manage a varied caseload with internal and external counsel
• Contribute to knowledge management, training and projects
• Work flexibly across different legal disciplines

Key requirements

• Newly qualified solicitor with practising certificate and admitted to the roll of solicitors in England and Wales
• Demonstrable interest and experience in life sciences, information law (data protection and FOI) and public health law
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage a varied caseload
• Sound legal judgement with risk-based, insightful advice
• Solutions-focused, commercially minded, strategic thinker
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate clearly with stakeholders at all levels
• Desirable: experience in an in-house legal team and understanding of government/public sector context

• collaboration
• clear communication
• stakeholder engagement
• life sciences knowledge (IP, contracts, regulatory)
• data protection and FOI
• public health law

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