VISA RESTRICTIONS: THIS POSITION DOES NOT OFFER VISA SPONSORSHIP.

Are you an experienced legislative or regulatory drafting lawyer looking for a fulfilling, balanced and interesting legal position? Do you want forward-looking work in a sector that is constantly evolving and innovating whilst maintaining the highest standards in protecting the public? This could be the role for you.
We are the UK’s aviation regulator and recognised as a world leader in this field and the legal team has been repeatedly recognised at a national and global level for the exceptional work we do. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation and aerospace industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

ABOUT YOU

Given the varied and flexible nature of this role, there is no ‘typical’ candidate, though it is important that candidates are enthusiastic about acquiring new knowledge across a range of work, working collaboratively and thinking proactively.
We are seeking a lawyer with 6+PQE and welcome lawyers who have taken alternative routes to qualification, as well as lawyers who have qualified abroad and are entitled to practice in the UK.
We are an equal opportunity employer actively supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage and support applications from all backgrounds, in particular candidates from minority backgrounds.
The role would be best suited to someone who has the following skills and qualifications:

IF YOU DO NOT MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS, WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ACCEPT YOUR APPLICATION.

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Due to continued growth and an increase in legislative work following the UK’s departure from the European Union, we are offering an exciting opportunity for a lawyer with legislative or specialist drafting experience to join our legal team within the Office of the General Counsel.
The ideal candidate will bring strong drafting skills, including the ability to write clear and effective requirements, and an ability to manage varied stakeholder relationships. You will have a willingness and capability to upskill in public law and the aviation regulatory framework, with support provided. You will also advise colleagues including finance specialists, economists, pilots, engineers, environmental experts and policy development professionals to make transparent and clear decisions and maintain a robust regulatory framework. You will be open minded and able to think broadly in working out what outcomes we can deliver within the relevant regulatory context.
As a member of the legal team, you will have the opportunity to work across many areas of the organisation. Our lawyers’ work includes developing new aviation legislation and policy in support of emerging technologies; shaping safety and security regulations in aviation; implementing measures to protect consumers; helping reshape airspace for the future; and managing litigation such as judicial review and enforcement actions.
As a team, we have a range of professional backgrounds and levels of experience. We pride ourselves on our ability to work dynamically and collaboratively as a team and we are always passionate about achieving the right outcomes. Everyone’s contribution is valued, and we work in an open, friendly, and supportive environment.
You’ll be supported by the experienced legal team around you, and from the beginning you will have an opportunity to be responsible for your own workload, working closely with colleagues and external stakeholders in a fast-paced environment. You will also work collectively with the team of lawyers, learning and sharing with each other so that as a team we can provide the best legal service to the CAA.

THE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THIS ROLE ARE:

• Developing, drafting and revising legislative documents in support of emerging technologies; shaping safety and security regulations in aviation.
• Providing high quality, user-friendly and practical legal advice that is responsive to clients’ needs on a very wide range of matters including interpreting and applying existing regulation and policies, working with government lawyers and other regulators licensing activity, the development of new law policies and guidance; and enforcement and litigation depending on skillset.
• Leading all aspects of the client relationship for each allocated case or project and proactively being responsible for the matter from start-to-finish.
• Working effectively within integrated and multi-disciplinary teams (internal and external).
• Collaborating efficiently with all lawyers in the team by sharing information, knowledge and learning.
• Building and maintaining trusted professional relationships with clients across the organisation and building the profile of the Office of the General Counsel.
• Aligning the legal service provided with the client demands in a way that improves the organisation’s reputation and ensures the CAA continues to be a world-leading aviation regulator.
• Contributing to the smooth running of the in-house legal team.

Desirable (although this is not essential for the role):

• You have experience in legislative or regulatory drafting.
• You have public law or regulatory experience.
• You have experience in an area of technical or other precision drafting