Regulatory Investigations and Actions Solicitor

Reporting to the Executive Director of Complaints and Investigations and Fitness to Practise, the Medical Council ("Council") is seeking to recruit a solicitor (grade, Assistant Principal) to join its Fitness to Practise team.

The primary objective of the Fitness to Practise ("FTP") function is to support the Council's objective of protecting the public by promoting and better ensuring high standards of professional conduct and professional education, training and competence among doctors.

Cases are referred to the Fitness to Practise Committee ("FTPC") after initial investigation by the Preliminary Proceedings Committee ("PPC") so that an inquiry can be held in respect of a complaint against a doctor. The FTPC is responsible for hearing evidence and deciding whether or not to make findings against a doctor. If the FTPC makes findings, it also makes recommendations as to sanction. The Council decides on sanction and generally this must then be confirmed by the High Court.

Your work as a solicitor within the Fitness to Practise team will be both demanding and rewarding, working on the frontline of issues arising in the health system, and operating to protect the public on a daily basis.

Role requirements

- Manage FTP caseloads in a timely and efficient management manner to include providing legal instruction on cases referred to Fitness to Practise Committee (FTPC) from the Preliminary Proceedings Committee (including pre-and post-inquiry actions, and call-overs).

- Assist in the scoping of cases and planning of tasks, to include the case strategy and plan, resourcing requirements, costs, timelines and key risks.

- Manage inquiry hearings and callover meetings, on behalf of the CEO, before the FTPC and engage with external legal advisors and Counsel, as required.

- Manage, sanction hearings before Council on behalf of the CEO, and engage with external legal advisors and Counsel, as required.

- Proactively monitor case progress, analyse metrics and take timely action to remediate any issues Identify and appropriately source the necessary technical and / or legal advice from both internal and external sources in a timely, legally compliant and cost-effective manner.

- Manage High Court Appeals and confirmation applications and related applications arising from FTP outcomes.

- Supervise other team members, as required, by the Executive Director of Complaints and Investigations and Fitness to Practise.

- Oversee external legal service providers supporting the FTP function, including cost control, budgeting and performance management.

- Analyse legal provider performance data and metrics to support decision making and improvements within FTP.

- Support the implementation of legislative amendments and procedural changes.

- Work collaboratively across the Function and across the Council as a whole, to promote knowledge sharing, support the development of policy and drive continuous improvement.

- Contribute to the development and achievement of the strategic goals of the Medical Council generally, by participating in cross-functional projects as required and progressing potential strategic projects.

- Any other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Complaints and Investigations and Fitness to Practise from time to time.

- Take a leading role in the management of risk within the Medical Council - identifying, assessing, monitoring, and addressing risks.

This role profile is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the position; it is subject to regular review and amendment as necessary.

- Professional legal qualification as a solicitor or barrister licensed to practise within the State Minimum of 3 years of relevant post-qualification experience as a legal practitioner.

- Recent experience in an administrative law / litigation role, preferably in a regulatory context.

- Proven ability to lead, manage and balance a varied, busy work list.

- Previous experience in a healthcare regulatory role would be a distinct advantage.

- Previous experience of working in a high pressured legal / regulatory environment and of advising on complex litigation matters (to include in depth knowledge of Court rules and procedures, rules of evidence, advising on proofs etc).

- A good knowledge of (i) the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, (as amended) and (ii) the Council's remit and functions.

- Experience in the use of case management systems and/or other relevant IT applications.

- Excellent judgement and the confidence, discipline, and intellectual ability to deliver in a demanding environment.

- Ability to organise his/her own time effectively, prioritise workload and set realistic timelines for delivery of required outputs.

- Strong communication and written style with forensic attention to detail and keen advocacy skills.

- A demonstrable ability to communicate effectively at senior level and demonstrate sound strategic and operational judgment.

- Excellent written and oral communication skills and a track record in the management of relationships with key stakeholders.

- You will be capable of commanding respect and credibility internally and externally.

- A thorough knowledge of administrative and constitutional law, judicial review and the principles of fair procedures and natural justice.

- An excellent understanding of the law relating to professional regulation, as well as other relevant Irish legislation, EU legislation and regulation.

- Ability to manage a diverse range of legal issues from drafting legal documents to advising on legal disputes, regulatory / and complex legislative issues.

- Ability to analyse issues critically to see how processes and procedures can be improved.

- A team player who is flexible and willing to learn in their approach to work.

- You must possess the ability to deal calmly with unexpected challenges.

Details of Appointment:

Position Type:

This appointment will be offered on a full-time permanent basis. A 6-Month probationary period applies to this appointment. Salary: Starting salary will be at €81,475 , which is the first point of the Assistant Principal Officer PayScale.

If you are currently a serving civil or public servant, your entry point to the PayScale may be higher based on your current salary.

There will be salary increment each year in line with the Assistant Principal Grade PayScale and subject to satisfactory performance, until the maximum point on the scale has been reached. The rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – PPC Salary Scale

(1) – after 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum.

(2) – after 6 years satisfactory service at the maximum.

30 working days plus public holidays

Hours:

35 hours per week, Mon-Fri.

Location:

The Medical Council's offices are located at Kingram House, Kingram Place, Dublin 2. They operate a hybrid working policy as determined by the Medical Council policy from time to time. Currently they require staff to work in the office 2 days a week, this may be subject to change in the future.

Pension:

The Medical Council offers a pension through the Public Sector Scheme. Contributions to the scheme will commence on joining the organisation. Candidates currently working in the Public or Civil Service may transfer their pension.

Dedicated Wellbeing Group and Wellbeing Initiatives, Employee Assistance Programme, Digital Gym and Wellbeing App, Training and Development, Education, Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, TaxSaver Travel Tickets, Bike to Work Scheme, Subsidised Flu Jabs, Paid Exam Leave and Study Leave, Income Continuance Scheme, Team Building and Away Days, Civil Service Credit Union

Apply by: 16 September 2025. Expected Interview: w/c 22nd September 2025

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