Head of Brussels Office

The joint Brussels office of the three UK Law Societies (England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) represents the interests of the solicitors’ professions to the EU institutions and provide related services to our members.  We are committed to being a leading voice on the best practice of law and law reform at European level.

The Head of Brussels Office role offers an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic team responsible for analysing and monitoring EU proposals by seeking improvements to law, practice and procedure and lobbying for change. You will be required to work with the legal profession in the UK and colleagues to identify and monitor the impact of reforms and to lobby as necessary for changes in line with the three Societies’ policy and strategic priorities. You will have the opportunity to represent at the highest level the interests of the Law Societies on external committees and play a key role in developing relations with other stakeholders including the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE).

The ideal candidate should possess:

• Degree level or equivalent level of education
• Substantial knowledge and recent experience of EU law, practice and procedure &  knowledge of the legal profession
• An understanding of the policy implications of proposals, ability to research and prepare policy papers and to explain complex issues clearly and concisely
• An understanding of the legal issues arising out of 'Brexit'.
• Excellent communication skills, including tact and diplomacy in dealing with a wide range of individuals at all levels
• Extensive experience of working in or with the European Institutions
• Strong people management skills - with the ability to manage and run an independent team in a self standing office
• Good resource management skills relating to budget
• Ability to deal with a range of different stakeholders
• Ability to deal with committee administration
• Experience of negotiation in a multicultural context
• Fluent French language skills are essential.  Other EU languages an asset.
• Ability to work independently and work under pressure to tight deadlines and ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to manage, enthuse and motivate staff

For an application pack, please refer to our website
http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/about-us/law-society-careers/

Please ensure that your application form and any additional information is clearly marked with campaign number TLS 1602

The closing date for applications is 23.55 pm on Sunday 19th March 2017 with interviews expected to take place w/c 27th March.