Legal Services Act - policy development opportunities
Secondment: 2-3 days a week, 12 months duration starting February/March 2009 (daily rate payable, dependent on seniority/experience) The Bar Standards Board is currently considering the impact of the Legal Services Act 2007 on the provision of legal services. In particular, the Board is focussing on how barristers who wish to work in the new business arrangements proposed under the Act should be regulated.
The Board has a comprehensive programme of work over the next 12 months and wishes to ensure that it has available the right resources and expertise for the effective completion of this important work. The Board therefore seeks expressions of interest from senior practice managers/chambers’ directors or equivalent who would be interested in contributing to the Board’s development of policy and a new regulatory framework in the light of the Act.
It is anticipated that the right candidates will have the following attributes:
- Experience of relevant policy development, most likely derived from a legal practice environment (although those with experience gained in other environments would also be welcomed);
- A detailed knowledge of the Legal Services Act and its implications on the provision of legal services;
- Demonstrable awareness of the issues facing the Board in respect of regulation of barristers under the Act;
- An aptitude for policy development and strategic thinking, problem solving and analytical skills;
- Project management and delivery experience.
The secondment role (1 post) will involve working with the staff of the Board and primarily its Legal Services Act Working Group, but also on other Legal Services Act issues, and will provide an unrivalled opportunity for the right individual to be at the forefront of the development of strategy and to influence the emerging regulatory policy in this area. The work is likely to require a commitment of an average of 2- 3 days a week over the next 12 months. This work will involve confidential policy formulation and engagement with stakeholders.
