Apply now Apply Now

The role of solicitor provides in house legal expertise and advice to the University. The principal duties will include dealing with contentious matters and complaints as well as advising the University’s Freedom of Information Unit on legal compliance and the application of exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act. 

The successful candidate will deal with both student and employee issues; disputes affecting the University and effectively engage with and manage the University’s external lawyers including on legal costs. This is an important role that will require effective engagement with stakeholders across the University including senior management.

The successful candidate will be expected to horizon scan for new legislation and to advise the University on emerging developments. The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues in the Legal Office and The Freedom of Information Unit. Efficient working practices and collegiality is essential.

The role is also developmental, and the successful candidate may from time to time be assigned duties in relation to the other work of the Legal Office which includes advising on research matters, intellectual property, contracts and agreements, GDPR, corporate governance, company, commercial licences, copyright and company law requirements and other arrangements. 

Principal duties and responsibilities:

- Dealing with all aspects of general disputes, contentious matters and litigation. This includes employee and student claims as well as general University affairs.

- Advising on complaints submitted under University policies and procedures and, where appropriate, liaising with external regulatory bodies in connection with such complaints.

- Advising on the application of employment, equality and disability legislation.

- Advising on all aspects of public law legislation, including freedom of information legislation and access to information on the environment legislation.

- Provide assistance to the Freedom of Information Office in ensuring compliance with same and matters arising before the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC).

- Instructing and managing the University’s external legal advisors.

- Policy reviews.

- Representing the Legal Office on various committees and steering groups.

- Presenting at workshops.

- Monitoring relevant legal and regulatory developments and preparing summaries of caselaw and legislation.

- Any other relevant duties as may be assigned by the Director of Legal Services or nominee.

Key skills

- Ability to effectively deal with a varied caseload and to be able to work under pressure.

- Must be able to work to deadlines and prioritise.

- Collegiality and cultivating good working relationships is key.

Overview of the School/Unit:

The successful candidate will report to the Director of Legal Services and be part of the University’s Legal Office. The Legal Office comprises of a number of very experienced solicitors and legal officers who advise across the spectrum of the University’s business and activities.

Salary: 95 Snr Administrative Iv_2013 (2010) (7078) €71,444 - €113,435. Appointment will be made on scale and in accordance with the Department of Finance guidelines. 

Details on eligibility to compete and pension information is available at https://www.ucd.ie/hr/resourcing/eligibilitytocompete/ 

For more details please go to: Solicitor

Back to Jobs