Senior lawyer jobs in Oxford, oxfordshire

Key responsibilities:

1. Main Purpose of the Job

• To ensure the panel reflects AvMA’s values and that where possible the panel is managed in line with our strategic plan.

• To manage and oversee the operation of the specialist AvMA clinical negligence panel to include ensuring the qualifying requirements for panel applicants are relevant and up to date and reflect any important medical and legal developments.

• The assessment of panel applications and interviewing of Applicants. Convening meetings of the panel committee, drafting agendas for those meetings and identifying issues to be discussed.

• Identify ways for the AvMA panel application process to become more streamlined, efficient and supportive of lawyers making panel applications. To develop the process to ensure it is fit for purpose, relevant and continues to meet the needs of the public.

• Ensuring the AvMA database of panel membership and special interests is kept up to date. Giving informal advice to solicitors enquiring about panel membership requirements, liaising and meeting with firms as required.

• Travelling and attending key networking events, including AvMA’s three-day (2 overnight stays) annual conference and AvMA annual panel meeting (usually held end Nov, beginning December), engaging with potential AvMA panel applicants, promoting the benefits of accreditation and the junior scheme (Certificates Competence Scheme (CCS)), keeping up to date with medical and legal developments. Speaking at panel meetings and generally to promote the panel.

• Working with the conference department to identify relevant topics for panel meetings and conference events.

• To improve on the current re-accreditation process to make it more streamlined and user friendly for applicants.

• To ensure relevant data from panel applications is captured on the CRM. Regular analysis of panel data, findings shared with AvMA senior leadership team and more widely where appropriate.

• To pursue AvMA’s EDI strategy by considering ways in which the panel can be developed to ensure panel members are as ethnically diverse as possible.

• To liaise with AvMA’s conference department to advise on any training which may be required to strengthen AvMA panel members knowledge and information base.

• To work with the Director Medico Legal services in assessing applications for Certificate of Competence Scheme (CCS) for juniors. To update and work on the Certificates Competence Scheme including organising applicant feedback to ensure this scheme continues to be fit for purpose. To inform and work with panel applicant mentors in strengthening the scheme.

• To deliver on administrative requirements such as quarterly reports for trustees, working with AvMA’s Service Delivery Quality and Outreach Committee (SDQOC) as required to update on continued improvement of AvMA Panel Accreditation Scheme.

• Dealing with queries raised by AvMA Panel applicants and/or juniors who may have had their applications rejected.

• Ensuring AvMA panel template letters and documents are updated

• From time to time speaking publicly about requirements for AvMA panel membership, common pitfalls and how to overcome them as well as other matters relating to panel.

• To consider client complaints about panel members to determine whether the threshold for disciplinary action under AvMA’s Panel procedures is met.

• To manage disciplinary procedure for AvMA Panel members, identify and liaise with adjudicators, prepare documentation, set up the hearing.

• To manage appeals against rejection of an application for accreditation/reaccreditation, liaise with adjudicators.

• To keep on top of any government, regulatory or other policy changes which may affect the way in which patients can access justice, recover damages and seek redress for adverse clinical outcomes, as well as any improvements or impediments to lawyers undertaking this work.

• To develop and grow the AvMA panel accreditation and Certificates Competence scheme membership; to identify cost efficiencies and maximum engagement with AvMA accredited panel solicitors.

• Any other duties associated with the role.

2. Skills and Experience

Administration of the AvMA Panel

The bulk of the administration and management tasks do not require specialist skills; however, assistance is provided by the PA to the CEO when required.

AvMA has a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) driven computer system throughout the organisation, the introduction has been phased and the applicant should be confident enough with sufficient IT skills to onboard the new system. The CRM works with Microsoft Dynamics 365 a data driven software solution which is intended to manage, track and store information. AvMA considers IT to be an ongoing commitment and the new panel accreditation manager should be willing to consider ways in which AvMA can maximise the impact of the CRM to improve services and data collection on key issues identified from panel related activities.

Tasks such as updating and preparing new panel application documents and report forms will require medical and legal input, the panel application interview process will involve discussions about topical medico legal issues and for this reason the post would suit someone who has a legal background, ideally qualified as a solicitor or barrister, preferably with clinical negligence accreditation. A a medical background would be helpful.

Assessment of new applications, interviews and dealing with correspondence

The Panel Accreditation Manager is primarily responsible for the assessment of new panel accreditation applications.

The role of Panel Accreditation Manager would suit someone who has practised as a claimant clinical negligence lawyer who is looking to draw on their expertise and experience in a new role.The successful applicant should be confident in assessing former peers and colleagues in a fair and impartial way.

The nature of this work is such that the Panel Accreditation Manager can come into possession of sensitive information, discretion and respecting confidentiality are key qualities for this role. 

Reaccreditations

Reaccreditation assessments are done internally by the Panel Accreditation Manager, occasionally assistance can be provided by members of the internal panel assessment team.

AvMA aims to make reaccreditations more straightforward for practitioners and the new appointee will be expected to liaise with the profession to understand where they consider the biggest hurdles to reaccreditation lie and to consider how these can be overcome without compromising standards. 

AvMA receives a minimum of 15 applications for reaccreditation per annum, however numbers are usually considerably higher, up to 30 per annum.It is thought that the reaccreditation process could be designed to be more streamlined and user friendly for both the applicant and in house.

Other AvMA Panel assessments

In addition to assessing AvMA panel applications and reaccreditations the Panel Accreditation Manager will need to assess applications from accredited panel members who have changed firms.

Change of firm applications tend to be straightforward if the applicant has been on the panel for some time and is going to a firm where there is another AvMA panel member but the process is more in depth for those going to a firm which does not have another AvMA panel member.  The Panel Application Manager needs to be confident that the new firm can meet the minimum standards and supervision requirements required of a first time panel application. 

There are about 5 applications for changes of firm rising to a maximum of 10 per annum. 

Interim Reviews

From time to time first time applicants may demonstrate that they largely meet the core criteria for AvMA Panel membership but there may be some areas that require improvement.In those cases, AvMA can award the applicant AvMA panel status subject to a review sometime later.The Panel Accreditation Manager is responsible for following up that review and examining progress made.The review is an opportunity to identify if the applicant has succeeded in strengthening the areas of weakness identified.If they have not, they risk losing their AvMA panel status entirely. 

There are about 3 interim reviews per annum, currently not exceeding 6. 

3. Other

• To support the Events Department’s quality initiatives and to suggest continuing improvements where needs arise.

• To undertake other duties commensurate with the post as may be required.

• Deputise for the Head of Events when necessary 

Job Purpose

Reporting into the Chief Operating Officer, the post holder will be responsible for leading on quality assurance and compliance across the organisation, including managing and ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 standard and GDPR, allowing Ygam to achieve its strategic objectives effectively and efficiently. The role will also have responsibility for certification of programmes with CPD.

Key Tasks

• Lead and encourage a culture of continual improvement across the organisation.

• Plan, organise and complete internal audits to ensure compliance with ISO standard and identify business risks.

• Review and evaluate operational procedures to ensure continuous improvement and maintain ISO9001 certification.

• Manage the internal non-conformance process (DV8) identifying root cause, trends and corrective actions.

• Liaise with external auditors to facilitate the annual ISO audit.

• Take responsibility for Ygam’s GDPR compliance supported by the In-house Lawyer and Head of Information Systems.

• Manage policies, due diligence and consent processes, ensuring that these are adhered to across the organisation.

• Oversee Ygam’s Quality Management System (Help Hub) and ensure this is kept up to date across the organisation.

• Lead the submission for CPD certification of programmes as required.

• Prepare reports for the Senior Leadership Team and Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and attend meetings where required, including internal audit updates, results of quality audits, etc.

• Support the management of operational risk, including maintaining Ygam’s RAID Register and ensuring that this is kept up to date across the organisation.

• Line manage Ygam’s In-House Lawyer who works for the organisation 1 day per week, primarily on contracts and GDPR compliance.

· Any other ad-hoc tasks for QA and compliance, and back-office support as required

Person Specification

Essential criteria:

· Significant experience of quality management, compliance and process improvement, including ISO 9001 certification.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret and implement ISO standards.

· Experience of providing an internal audit service.

· Experience of producing reports suitable for SLT and board committee level consideration.

· Excellent knowledge of GDPR compliance, including consents processes.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work with and influence colleagues at all levels across the organisation.

· Strong IT skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

· Experience of driving projects to achieve agreed outcomes.

· Strong administration, time management and prioritising skills.

· Attention to detail and high standards of accuracy.

· Demonstrable diplomacy and ability to work in confidence

· Self-starter with ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

· Willingness to travel regionally and nationally occasionally as required.

· Right to live and work in the UK.

Desirable criteria:

· Experience of working in the not for profit/charitable sector.

· Experience of working in a remote or hybrid environment with a geographically dispersed workforce.

About us

Foxglove is a non-profit that exists to make the use of technology fair for all. When Big Tech companies abuse their power, their workers or the planet – and when governments use technology to oppress, exclude or discriminate – we litigate and campaign to fix it.  

Big Tech companies have become so large – gobbling up a huge slice of the global marketplace and an unprecedented treasure hoard of user data – that they’re now more powerful than many states. The harmful effects of this concentration of power are everywhere – threats to our democracy, to our privacy, decimated workers’ rights and platforms rife with disinformation and hate. Big Tech and AI data centres are rapidly expanding, resulting in huge strain on energy and water supplies. Worldwide governments are ploughing ahead with the use of algorithms and mass data systems to cut costs and increase efficiency often resulting in digital tools that entrench unfairness and leave the most vulnerable in society in crisis. All these problems are only getting worse with generative AI.

Foxglove works to bring the rule of law to the tech and AI giants who have upended our public square, workplaces, and social lives. We have a strong track record. We’ve launched landmark cases seeking structural changes to big tech’s harmful business models, supported 180+ Facebook content moderators fired for trying to form a union to sue Facebook and their outsourcing company, Sama – winning world-first judgements. We're urging competition regulators worldwide to stop Google’s theft of independent news. We’ve filed the UK’s first legal challenge to a data centre permission decision, forced disclosure of secret contracts between tech giants and the NHS, stopped a racist Home Office visa streaming algorithm, helped make grading fair for UK A-level students and challenged the Department of Work and Pension’s use of an algorithm unfairly flagging disabled people for benefit fraud investigations.   

We are a small but growing team of lawyers, communications experts, and campaigners. We are a CIC, not a practising law firm. We partner with legal firms on cases, directing litigation in multiple jurisdictions. Our work is global, and we work in partnership with lawyers, civil society, unions, and people impacted by Big Tech.

About you

You are a highly experienced lawyer with a strong interest in using the law to hold governments and companies to account. You see the law as a tool for structural change, not just individual wins. You think strategically about how litigation, campaigning, and coalition-building can work together. You appreciate the value and impact of movements and are as comfortable drafting legal arguments as you are speaking to a journalist, or rallying those who've never heard of judicial review to a joint cause. You care about power, meaning who has it, who doesn't, and how to shift it. You follow the ways Big Tech and governments are reshaping society, and you don't just find it interesting: it makes you want to act. You're a sharp, compelling writer who can make complex legal arguments land with different audiences. You're a self-starter who spots opportunities and runs with them, but you're equally invested in the team around you. You share credit generously, help sharpen others' thinking, and understand that lasting change is collective. Most importantly, you believe in making the use of technology fair for all.

If this is you; if you want to take on some of the most powerful companies and governments in the world, and you think the law is one of the tools we have to do it; if you are seeking a role where the work is urgent and the stakes are real, we would love to hear from you.

The role

The post holder will work alongside our Co-Executive Director, Head of Legal and Legal Administrator in developing and managing Foxglove’s legal work. You will develop and drive forward a significant number and range of cases, including the development of case theories, investigating and collecting evidence, drafting correspondence, evidence and submissions. You will also be responsible for coordinating and managing external legal teams, in multiple jurisdictions. This will require you to have the comfort and ability to navigate diverse settings, while also having the insight to weigh up the benefits and challenges of pursuing cases in different jurisdictions. You will serve as an external representative for Foxglove’s work, writing and speaking on topics of relevance. You will also be a sparring partner for others in the team, bringing a creative mindset and political savviness. UK and international travel are required. Flexibility with working hours will sometimes be needed.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Case Development and Management

• Build connections, and listen to affected communities, unearth and pursue issues caused by tech injustice, coming up with innovative legal solutions.
• Build and maintain relationships with impacted community members, unions, other lawyers, experts, co-counsel, intervenors, civil society organisations, whistleblowers, and the public.
• Explore and develop new and undiscovered opportunities for Foxglove to be impactful and effective in our work.
• Effectively work with the co-Executive Director and Head of Legal to develop and implement Foxglove’s legal strategy.
• Manage multiple cases at any one time, while also thinking to the future regarding cases that should be explored and developed.
• Draft and comment on technical and legal documents and correspondence.
• Lead evidence gathering.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Manage court deadlines and time limits where applicable.
• Ensure regulatory compliance in all aspects of your work and our cases.
• Always maintain the strictest standards of client confidentiality.
• Always maintain the strictest concern for and awareness of data protection and Foxglove policies.
• Keep up to date with the global political and litigation landscape concerning tech justice.

Other

• Help ensure communities’, workers’ and affected individual’s voices are heard in our campaigns, communications and advocacy work.
• Contribute to external representation and writing, including through media appearances, social media posts, blogs and op-eds.
• Contribute to the development of materials for advocacy purposes including video or audio testimony, photographs etc.
• Support others in our legal team, across Foxglove, and the relevant ecosystem in developing strategies to use the law to hold governments and companies to account.
• Other ad hoc tasks as required.

Person Specification

Essential

• Substantial experience in legal practice and conducting litigation and a demonstrated understanding of litigation strategies.
• Creative thinking and imagination.
• A strong interest in using the law to hold governments and companies to account.
• Qualified lawyer in any jurisdiction with at least 10 years of legal experience.
• Significant experience in legal practice in the UK.  
• Demonstrable commitment to supporting marginalised communities to access justice.
• Ability to learn new areas of law quickly and develop new areas of work.
• Good political antennae and excellent relationship building and management skills.
• Experience conducting cases from initial advice through to trial.
• Relevant experience in analysing complex factual and legal situations and helping to advise clients in accordance with their aims.
• Experience in dealing sensitively with clients, whistleblowers and experts.
• Experience in working on complex matters, which require analysis of large amounts of documents and data.
• Excellent communication skills, demonstrated by the ability to communicate accurately, clearly, concisely and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent time management skills demonstrated by the ability to organise and prioritise a complex workload and work to tight deadlines.
• Experience in working and leading a team environment.
• Comfort with working at both the details-driven operational level and big-picture strategic level, as well as the ability to navigate between the two.

Length and Salary

The role is permanent. The annual salary is £88,400 per annum less any required deductions for income tax and national insurance.

Our team works remotely, and this role can be based anywhere. We would prefer you to work within or close to UK office hours, but this is flexible. Our team travels every two months for team days and twice a year for team retreats. This role will include significant UK and international travel. Only candidates with the right to work in their location will be considered.

How to apply

Please make your application via Applied, answering the application questions and uploading your CV. We will not review applications sent via a job board or to our email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with first round interviews likely to take place in May for selected candidates.

Foxglove does not use AI in its recruitment processes, except to detect applications for AI use. As a tech- justice organisation, we ask the same of our candidates.

Foxglove is being supported in this search and appointment process by SCHC Advisors. For a confidential conversation to learn more about the role, please contact Sophia Copeman.

Foxglove is growing and we are striving to build a team that is inclusive. We will create a diverse and adaptable environment where we support people to do their best work. We believe an effective and creative team is made up of people from different walks of life. You can read more about how we work and what we offer our staff on our website.

We encourage people from historically disadvantaged or underrepresented groups in the legal profession to apply.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to complete this process, or have any questions, please get in touch with Sophia Copeman.

If you would like to know more about how we process your data as part of the recruitment process you can read our recruitment data use policy.