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The Medical Council of Ireland is seeking an experienced lawyer with highly developed planning, drafting and communication skills to join its General Counsel Legal team on a 12-month FTC basis.

The General Counsel’s team reports to the CEO and advises the Medical Council across all legal issues arising for the Medical Council, except for professional standards matters which are handled by a separate team of lawyers.

The successful candidate will be responsible for a challenging volume and range of legal advice tasks, on both a responsive and project basis.

They will be required to manage relationships with key stakeholders, which will be central to successfully performing in this role. This is a role which will require the ability to prioritise workload and to work effectively in pressurised circumstances and to tight deadlines.

The successful candidate will be required to work as part of a small team and on their own initiative.

Key responsibilities will include:

- Providing up to date, high quality, strategic, practical and informed legal advice, in a timely manner, to the Medical Council (including the President), its Committees, the CEO, and the Executive in relation to the Medical Council’s remit and various aspects of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, as amended (the “Act”) and the Regulations made pursuant to it.

- Liaising and engaging, as appropriate, with external legal advisers to formulate queries to obtain legal opinions and review and interpret same for other members of the Executive and/or Council.

- Providing legal and relevant advice to the Executive and staff in relation to all statutory functions and external compliance responsibilities (to include general in-house legal advice and support as is typically required in a public sector organisation (to include contracts, administrative law, employment law, corporate governance, litigation, data protection, protected disclosures, and freedom of information and procurement law).

- Drafting and reviewing the Council’s policies and procedures, guidance and other documents to ensure all information is current, legally accurate and clear.

- Advising on and managing litigation matters, as required. · Identifying risk and assisting the Council achieve its strategic objectives and functions.

- Participating in cross-functional projects and developments that contribute to the delivery of the strategic objectives of the Council.

- Undertaking any duties that may be assigned by the General Counsel and/or the CEO.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and the successful candidate will be expected to perform different tasks as may be necessitated by changing roles within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Required qualifications, skills, and experience:

Technical:

- Professional legal qualification as a solicitor or barrister licensed to practise within the State with a minimum of 2 years of relevant post qualification experience as a legal practitioner.

- Recent experience in a similar role, ideally in a professional body or regulatory environment. 

- Good knowledge of administrative and constitutional law, judicial review and the principles of fair procedures and natural justice. 

- A proven track record in managing a diverse range of legal issues from drafting legal documents to advising on legal disputes, regulatory/ and complex legislative issues.

- Experience in the use of appropriate technology, case management systems and other IT applications.

- Demonstrable ability to manage a significant workload and analyse issues critically to see how processes and procedures can be improved.

- A well-developed knowledge of regulation, excellent communication skills and sound organisational abilities.

- A proven track record of working effectively as part of a team.

- Excellent judgement and the confidence, discipline, and intellectual ability to deliver in a demanding environment.

Interpersonal:

- A proven track record of analysing complex legal issues under pressure and delivering sound and timely legal advice across several areas to tight timelines.

- A proven ability to organise his/her own time effectively, prioritise workload and set realistic timelines for delivery of required outputs, strong time management, planning, and prioritisation skills, professionalism, and integrity.

- A demonstrable ability to communicate effectively at senior level and demonstrate sound strategic and operational judgment.

- Excellent written and oral communication skills and a track record in the management of relationships with key stakeholders.

- Excellent team building and mentoring skills.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and the successful candidate will be expected to perform different tasks as may be necessitated by changing roles within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Details of this appointment: 

- Position type: This appointment will be offered on a fixed term contract basis for 12 months

- Salary: Starting salary will be at €82,290 which is the first point of the Assistant Principal Officer PayScale. If you are currently a serving civil or public servant, your entry point to the PayScale may be higher based on your current salary. There will be salary increment each year in line with the Assistant Principal Grade PayScale and subject to satisfactory performance, until the maximum point on the scale has been reached. The rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Assistant Principal PayScale €82,290 €85,320 €88,393 €91,475 €94,553 €96,329 €99,4331 €102,5502 (LS1 After 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum) (LS2 After 6 years satisfactory service at the maximum)

- Annual Leave: 30 working days plus public holidays

- Hours: 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri.

- Location: Kingram House, Kingram Place, Dublin 2. They operate a hybrid working model with both remote working and requirement for on-site attendance 2 days per week.

- Pension: The Medical Council offers a pension through the Public Sector Scheme. Contributions to the scheme will commence on joining the organisation. Candidates currently working in the Public or Civil Service may transfer their pension.

Rewards/Benefits:

- Dedicated Wellbeing Group and Wellbeing Initiatives,

- Employee Assistance Programme, and Wellbeing App,

- Training and Development,

- Public Service Sick Leave Scheme,

- TaxSaver Travel Tickets,

- Bike to Work Scheme,

- Subsidised Flu Jabs,

- Paid Exam Leave & Study Leave,

- Income Continuance Scheme,

- Civil Service Credit Union. 

Apply by 31 March 2026 Expected Interview: w/c 6 April 2026

For more details and to apply please go to: General Counsel Solicitor (AP)

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