Adjudicator

The role:

We are looking to appoint an adjudicator to make regulatory decisions for us. You will exercise decision-making powers relating to a broad range of work delegated to SRA adjudicators.

You must be either: a solicitor, barrister, chartered legal executive or have the equivalent legal professional status, with an entitlement to practise. You will have significant experience in an environment where high-level decision-making is required.

This role needs someone who can effectively reach reasoned and accurate decisions quickly, and following a detailed analysis of complex, technical, and often protracted information and evidence.

A large part of the role will be to act as panel adviser to adjudication panels, providing legal and technical support to ensure decisions comply with the law, our rules, regulations and guidance. Each panel may be required to consider up to 5 different types of decision in a day,

Panel advisers are expected to: 

• thoroughly prepare each case
• raise or respond to any pre-panel questions
• liaise with the panel adjudicators and case officer
• draft an initial decision (without reasons)
• attend the panel (which comprise legally qualified and lay individuals)
• check the accuracy and quality of the final decision

Adjudicators are expected to:

• make regulatory decisions on a range of powers contained in legislation and the SRA standards and regulations and guidance;
• ensure decisions are impartial, well written, and in accordance with published policy and criteria. Throughout our processes we seek to demonstrate that we are a fair regulator and that decisions are made on an objective basis with proportionate outcomes.
• Deliver internal training, improve quality of decision making and input into projects as required.

Types of decisions made by adjudicators include:

• determining suitability for a period of recognised training or admission
• imposing conditions on a practising certificate or authorisation
• considering an application for a grant from the compensation fund
• intervening into a firm
• making findings and imposing sanctions, including fines and rebukes
• making orders in respect of employees of firms (section 43 Solicitors Act 1974)
• determining the beneficial entitlement to money held on statutory trust following intervention into a firm
• dealing with all appeals against regulatory decisions.

We are looking for you to demonstrate that you possess the following knowledge, skills and experience. You must provide examples to support each of the criteria listed below. These will be tested throughout the process.

• practising solicitor, legal executive, barrister or equivalent legal qualification with an entitlement to practise
• decision making: demonstrable ability to conduct effective evidence-based decision making, bringing independence of mind and making sound judgments through: weighing facts and evidence, analysing and critically evaluating large volumes of complex information and identifying key issues, within tight deadlines and working on own initiative
• effective interpersonal skills: able to gain respect and maintain rapport through effective communication and influencing skills. Confident to challenge opinions, work collaboratively to reach sound decisions: able to communicate expert knowledge in a manner a lay person can readily understand
• adaptable communication skills, both written and oral: able to communicate sensitively and effectively with a wide range of individuals, varying the approach as necessary, treating others with respect, listening actively and evaluating replies to probe issues
• effective written skills: the ability to draft well-formed written decisions which accurately document, analyse and summarise evidence and provide reasons in support of the decision or recommendation
• demonstrable high standards of corporate and personal integrity and conduct: including a strong desire to serve the public, evidence of commitment to equality and diversity, resilience and reflection in decision making, and personal accountability. Put this higher up after decision making
• effective time management, organisational and administrative skills: Able to identify and resolve issues at an early stage taking proactive steps to ensure cases are concluded at the earliest opportunity and within deadlines

Important information:

Due to current circumstances we are working remotely. The same will apply to the recruitment process and applicants can expect to be assessed and inducted virtually and remotely.

Going forward, the expectation will be for the successful candidate to be in the Birmingham office two- three days a week.

To apply:

Please upload a CV and supporting statement by clicking the apply button at the bottom of the advert. Your statement should be no more than two sides of A4, clearly demonstrating how you meet the essential knowledge, skills and experience detailed above. 

Closing date is 13 July. Please note that unless stated otherwise, all jobs will be advertised on our website (SRA jobs) until the closing date and time. We reserve the right to pull the vacancy down from any third party job boards earlier than advertised.