Location
Hybrid working based at Core HQ, London (Canary Wharf). You will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours on-site (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month). Our modern offices benefit from excellent city centre transport links and co-location with other government departments.

Hours
Full time, flexible working opportunities available within a hybrid working model.

Salary
£46,310 - £52,113 per year

About the Role
UK Health Security Agency's legal team plays a central role in supporting the organisation's mission to protect people from health threats by providing high-quality, strategic, and solutions-focused legal advice across a broad range of activities. We are seeking a newly qualified solicitor to join this growing and dynamic team, offering an excellent opportunity to develop as an in-house lawyer in a uniquely varied and impactful environment.

You will gain exposure to a wide range of legal work including commercial and research agreements, information governance, and public law issues such as Freedom of Information requests, coroner's inquests, and public inquiries. Your focus will be on life sciences, information law, and public health law, advising on scientific research collaborations, material transfer arrangements, lawful data use and sharing, and regulatory frameworks underpinning UKHSA's work.

You will be encouraged to take ownership of your work while being supported by experienced colleagues in a collaborative team environment, reporting to a Senior Legal Counsel. The role includes supporting vaccine sector industry engagement programmes, advising on contractual and regulatory matters, providing legal support to outbreak management activities, and contributing proactively to knowledge management, training, and projects.

UKHSA is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, fostering a culture where differences drive innovative solutions to meet workforce and community needs.

Experience
Newly qualified solicitor with a current practising certificate and admitted to the roll of solicitors in England and Wales (regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority). Demonstrable interest and experience in life sciences (including intellectual property, commercial contracts, and regulatory requirements), information law (including data protection and Freedom of Information), and public health law. Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload effectively. Experience of working in an in-house legal team and understanding of government or public sector contexts are desirable.

About you
Sound legal judgement, analytical ability, and an appreciation of legal risk, with confidence to provide clear, balanced, and risk-based advice. A solutions-focused and commercially minded approach, with the ability to think strategically, understand the wider context of legal issues, and respond in an agile and timely manner. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and sensitively with stakeholders, including those unfamiliar with legal processes and concepts.

Qualifications
Admission to the roll of solicitors in England and Wales with a current practising certificate. Successful completion of the Solicitors Regulation Authority requirements for practising solicitors.