Solicitor, Professional Standards Directorate
The Medical Council is seeking to recruit a Solicitor (Assistant Principal Grade) to join its Professional Standards Directorate to support the Council in managing complaints, investigations, disciplinary inquiries/fitness to practise hearings, urgent risk matters, and related legal processes to protect the public and uphold professional standards.
The Professional Standards Directorate comprises of both the Complaints & Investigations (C&I) Team that assists the Preliminary Proceedings Committee (PPC), and the Fitness to Practise (FtP) Team that prepares and presents cases to the Fitness to Practise Committee who make findings against doctors and make recommendations to the Council regarding sanctions and other related matters.
The successful candidate will join either the C&I or FtP team, depending on operational needs, and may move between teams from time to time as required.
Your work as a solicitor 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.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Director of Professional Standards.
Complaints and Investigation
Manage complaints from initial assessment through investigation, evidence gathering, risk analysis, and referral.
Provide timely legal advice on statutory powers, administrative law, fair procedures, and regulatory obligations.
Conduct risk assessments and triage complaints, including evaluating public safety concerns.
Support the PPC (screening Committee) by preparing documentation, attending meetings, and advising on legal issues.
Oversee investigative steps, including obtaining expert reports and liaising with registrants, complainants, and legal representatives.
Contribute to improvements in investigative processes and regulatory practice.
Manage urgent applications (interim suspensions before the Council and/or High Court), including instructing external legal providers.
Contribute to improvements in investigative processes and regulatory practice.
Fitness to Practise
Prepare and manage cases for inquiry on behalf of the CEO, including instructing panel firms, coordinating investigative and legal tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring effective working relationships
Manage cases before committees (inquiries/callovers), ensuring fair procedures and effective progression
Manage sanction hearings and post inquiry actions.
Monitor case progress and timelines and review data and performance metrics for the Council to support effective oversight of FTP activity. Manage external legal providers, including oversight of costs, budgeting and performance.
Manage appeals and High Court confirmation applications.
Identify and obtain technical or legal advice needed from internal or external sources in a timely, compliant, and cost effective way.
Support legislative implementation and changes and updates to regulatory processes across the Council ensuring continuous knowledge sharing, development of policy and procedures and proactively seeking to identify opportunities for continuous improvement of the Function
Essential Criteria:
Professional legal qualification as a solicitor or barrister licensed to practise within the State.
Strong knowledge of administrative law, judicial review, fair procedures, and professional regulation.
Ability to manage a demanding caseload with strong judgement and attention to detail.
3+ years of relevant post qualification experience as a legal practitioner.
Desirable Criteria:
Experience in professional regulation, including healthcare regulation or advising public bodies on the exercise of statutory functions, statutory interpretation, and fair procedures would be a distinct advantage.
A good understanding of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, its amendments and associated statutory Rules, and the Medical Council's statutory functions
Experience in the use of case management systems and/or other relevant IT applications.
Essential Characteristics:
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement.
Effective advocacy and presentation skills.
Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
Collaborative working style and commitment to continuous improvement.
High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion.
Sound strategic judgement, with the ability to assess complex issues and make balanced, well reasoned decisions.
Details of Appointment
Position Type: This appointment will be offered on a full-time fixed term basis for 18 months. A 6-Month probationary period applies to this appointment.
Salary: Starting salary will be at €83,113, 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
€83,113 €86,173 €89,277 €92,390 €95,499 €97,292
€100,4271- after 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum.
€103,5762- after 6 years satisfactory service at the maximum.
Annual Leave: 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. We operate a hybrid working policy as determined by the Medical Council policy from time to time. Currently we 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.
Rewards/ Benefits: 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 & Study Leave, Income Continuance Scheme, Civil Service Credit Union
Apply By: 16th July 2026
Expected Interview: TBC
