Policy Adviser - Civil Justice (Maternity Leave Cover)

The Law Society is the representative body for solicitors in England and Wales.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a busy policy team, on a one year contract providing maternity leave cover.

You will lead the Law Society’s engagement with the Ministry of Justice, the Civil Justice Council and procedure rules committees on issues including the funding of litigation, solicitors’ costs, and the review of the MoJ’s whiplash injury reforms, considering the interests of both claimant and defendant lawyers and the broader access to justice agenda. You will work with colleagues on the impact on the civil justice system of technology and AI and the MoJ’s broader dispute resolution agenda, and on guidance, communications and services for members working in civil justice.  

You will lead the work of the Law Society’s Civil Justice Committee in responding to Government consultations and reviews, providing input for Parliamentary inquiries and evidence sessions, helping to develop media lines and ensuring that the voice of solicitors is heard on key policy and operational issues for solicitors. You will keep up to date with developments in relevant policy and legislation and monitor the impact of developments in the area on the profession.

You will liaise with solicitors and key stakeholders, lead policy development on priority issues and manage associated projects. Working with colleagues from across policy, communications and public affairs, you will also help to ensure that our policy positions have maximum influence, visibility and impact.  

You will build effective relationships with officials at MoJ and other relevant stakeholders to enable us to maintain an influential position with them as a critical friend, challenging on behalf of our members without damaging the broader relationship.

This is an exciting and varied role where your expertise and knowledge will be used to great effect.

You have a practical understanding of the operation of the civil courts and broader dispute resolution mechanisms, and the role of lawyers in engaging with them. You will have experience of managing policy projects and policy work, with an ability to identify and understand the policy implications of proposals, and to mediate strongly held opposing views.

You will be able to analyse complex policy issues and operational processes, and assess their implications for the profession along with excellent writing skills to draft concise, clear and persuasive policy papers, briefings and guidance for solicitors.

You will have an understanding of how technology is changing the civil justice system.

You will be experienced in building and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels, and be able to work both pro-actively and reactively, often with minimal supervision and to tight deadlines.

Please see the job description for more details.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a forward-thinking membership organisation dedicated to supporting solicitors, protecting access to justice and promoting the rule of law. We have a strong reputation for excellence and legal expertise, and are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and a culture of trust, clarity, excellence and respect.

We offer hybrid working (minimum eight days a month working at our office in Chancery Lane), a generous flexible benefits package, a friendly working environment and the opportunity to develop your career within a professional organisation.

The Law Society represents solicitors in England and Wales. From negotiating with and lobbying the profession's regulators, government and other decision makers, to offering training and advice, we're here to help, protect and promote solicitors.