Legal Adviser

Apple Recruitment are recruiting URGENTLY for a Legal Adviser, Examiner of Statutory Rules - Part Time, on behalf of the NI Assembly. This role will be until the end of June 2026. Hourly rate based on £69,032 (pro rata 18.5 hours per week).

Job Purpose:

The Office of the Examiner of Statutory Rules carries out scrutiny of delegated legislation and of delegated powers in primary legislation for the Northern Ireland Assembly. Legal Advisers in the Office of the Examiner of Statutory Rules provide specialist legal advice to support the discharge of this function.

Legal Advisers provide objective legal advice, independent of government, to support the Assembly in its scrutiny and legislative roles. They advise the Examiner of Statutory Rules and the Committees of the Assembly in relation to delegated legislation before the Assembly, on relevant technical and human rights law, and in relation to relevant parliamentary procedure.

Job Description:

The successful applicant will:

• Provide comprehensive, authoritative, objective, and timely legal advice to the Examiner of Statutory Rules and to the Committees of the Assembly in relation

to:

o delegated legislation.

o the exercise of delegated powers.

o matters of public law.

o matters of constitutional law.

o human rights law.

o the Windsor Framework.

o parliamentary procedure.

o matters concerning statutory interpretation.

• Provide legal advice to the Director of Legal, Governance and Research

Services, and to the Examiner of Statutory Rules.

• Conduct legal research, including using electronic and other resources to

provide authoritative advice, at short notice, on unfamiliar areas of law.

• Attend the Committees of the Assembly to deliver legal advice.

• Maintain membership of the relevant professional body (the Bar of Northern

Ireland or the Law Society of Northern Ireland), undertake sufficient and relevant

training, and act in accordance with the applicable code of conduct in the

discharge of your duties.

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with senior staff and political actors

in the Assembly and colleagues in other legislatures.

• Regularly participate in or lead teams to deliver legislation or corporate and

organisational objectives.

• Comply with all of the Assembly Commission's staff policies and procedures

including the Equal Opportunities and Dignity at Work policies.

• Manage information and records in accordance with established policies and

statutory requirements.

• Carry out such other duties as the Assembly Commission reasonably requires of

you.

If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV in Microsoft word format to Caroline Parker by Wednesday 29 th April You must also include a bullet pointed synopsis at the top of your CV demonstrating how exactly you meet the Essential Criteria below.

Essential Criteria:

At the closing date for applications, applicants must:

1. Hold a first or bachelor's degree of minimum 2.2 classification (or

equivalent);

AND

2. be entitled to practice in Northern Ireland as a barrister or solicitor;

AND

3. have at least four years' post-qualification experience ('PQE') in law to

include evidence of the following:

(a) interpreting, and providing legal advice in relation to, legislation;

(b) providing legal advice in relation to human rights;

(c) demonstrating legal analytical ability and sound judgement in the

resolution of complex legal problems; and

(d) communicating with clients with clarity and confidence.

AND

4. provide evidence of a knowledge of constitutional, administrative and human rights law in Northern Ireland.

Further Details:

• Hourly Rate based on £69,032 (pro rata 18.5 hours per week). Duration: Up to end June 2026 Date of informal discussions - Thursday 30 April 2026 via teams, please ensure you will be available on this date if selected to attend informal discussion. You must be available to start immediately This business area offers limited hybrid working based on business need Closing date for CV submission to Apple: Wednesday 29 th

If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV in Microsoft word format to Caroline by Wednesday 29 th

Applicants must ensure their CV is accurate and up to date. The CV should include your full employment history inclusive of dates, all academic achievements and full personal contact details.

Please note only applicants that match these criteria can be considered for the role.

Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.