Principal Legal Adviser
Fixed Term - Full Time £73,571 - £87,797 / yearJob Overview
About the team
At the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), our General Counsel team plays a vital role in supporting the organisation to protect the public and uphold confidence in the professions we regulate. We provide expert legal advice across a broad and complex portfolio, helping the NMC meet its responsibilities as a regulator, public body and registered charity.
We are a collaborative, supportive and reflective team that values openness, inclusion and continuous learning. We work closely together to deliver high-quality, timely advice — often in fast-moving and high-profile situations — and we actively share knowledge and expertise to strengthen our collective impact.
Your role and impact
We are a talented and experienced lawyer to join us as a Principal Legal Adviser on a 12 month maternity cover contract.
As a senior member of the General Counsel team, you will provide high-quality legal advice and strategic support across a wide range of issues, helping the NMC navigate complex legal risks and deliver on its regulatory objectives.
Your work will span areas such as complex regulatory matters, litigation and external challenge, public inquiries, policy and guidance development, governance, complaints and information requests, contracts and public procurement, and audit and finance. You will work closely with colleagues and external stakeholders to identify practical solutions, support decision-making and drive improvements.
You will bring expertise across areas including regulatory and public law, equality and human rights, information law, contract and procurement, and civil law — and we will support you to develop in new areas where needed. A key part of the role will be translating complex legal issues into clear, practical advice for a wide range of audiences, and contributing to training and capability building across the organisation.
As a senior leader, you will manage and support colleagues within the team, provide peer support to fellow Principal Legal Advisers, and act as a role model for high standards, collaboration and inclusive behaviours.
What you’ll bring
- Current UK practising certificate, with the ability to conduct litigation in England & Wales
- Substantial post-qualification experience as a solicitor or barrister, including leadership or management experience.
- Experience advising on regulatory and/or public law matters, ideally within a complex or high-profile environment.
- A collaborative approach and experience working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- A strong commitment to learning and development — both your own and that of others — and to sharing knowledge.
- A clear commitment to living and promoting organisational values, including equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and build confidence with senior stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively under pressure.
Benefits
- 30 days annual leave
- Enhanced Pension Contributions via our attractive Pension Scheme – with a basic 8% employer contribution as standard which increases up to 14% with optional added Employee Contributions Life Insurance – 4 x current salary
- Hybrid working
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
- 24 Hours Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Perkbox membership
- Subsidised restaurant in our Portland Place office
- Season ticket loans