About the job

Job summary

The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system. 

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Job description

The post is in the Domestic Legislation Team. The Team is the principal source of legal advice on matters relating to domestic legislation in the House of Commons.

The Team consists of Counsel for Domestic Legislation, two Deputy Counsel and one Assistant Counsel. Assistant Counsel receive training on all aspects of the Team’s work and are supported to develop with a view to promotion to Deputy Counsel in due course. The Deputy and Assistant Counsel are line managed by Counsel for Domestic Legislation.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• To contribute to the technical scrutiny of statutory instruments and provide advice to the Joint and Select Committees on Statutory Instruments in accordance with Standing Order 151 (including the drafting of reports for those Committees).
• In conjunction with Counsel for Domestic Legislation and Deputy Counsel for Domestic Legislation, to provide regular legal services and advice to the JCSI and SCSI as may be required.
• So far as resources permit, to contribute to pre-laying scrutiny of draft instruments and the provision of useful guidance in response to queries on general or borderline issues by lawyers in Government responsible for statutory instruments.
• To contribute to the technical scrutiny of Legislative Reform Orders in accordance with Standing Order 141.
• To engage with the training and support provided with a view to development and eventual promotion to Deputy Counsel.

Person specification

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Significant post-qualification experience as a barrister or solicitor.
• Demonstrable aptitude for, or experience of, drafting and vetting legislation, including a good general knowledge of the applicable principles of statutory interpretation.
• Strong powers of analysis, including the ability to assimilate new areas of law quickly and reach sound judgments under pressure.
• Proven ability to build relationships with, and gain the confidence of, senior staff working in a complex environment, and an ability to provide legal advice with clarity, in both writing and orally.
• Strong team working and interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate inclusively as part of a diverse team whilst upholding the values of equality, diversity and inclusion and the ability to give and receive feedback constructively.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £56,180, House of Commons contributes £15,168 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1-5 in the Job Description. 

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be invited to undertake a written test that will involve the scrutiny of a statutory instrument. The test will last 90 minutes. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted about arranging a suitable time slot.

Please note that interviews are to be held week beginning 15th July 2024.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description. 

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.