£32,000 p.a.
12-month contract commencing September 2024
About Keating Chambers
Keating Chambers is a leading commercial set specialising in high-profile construction, engineering, IT, telecommunications, and energy related disputes, which typically involve issues relating to the law of contract, tort, and restitution. Chambers has an impressive specialism in disputes over building projects, from skyscrapers to power plants, representing clients like BT, E.ON and Transport for London. Chambers also undertakes a broader range of work including professional negligence, public procurement and competition law, planning law, environmental and other regulatory work. Keating won “Construction Set of the Year” at the Chambers Bar Awards in 2023 and “Chambers of the Year” at Legal Cheek’s 2024 awards.
Keating Chambers are involved in various initiatives to improve diversity and inclusion at the Bar. We are a founding partner of Bridging the Bar (BTB), one of the first sets to sign up to the 10,000 Black Interns programme and, more recently, joined Bringing [Dis]ability to the Bar’s mini-pupillage scheme. As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, Chambers launched a new social mobility scholarship with Gray’s Inn in 2022, designed to support Bar Course students from backgrounds under-represented at the Bar.
About the Role
The Legal Assistant position does not require any prior specialist knowledge of construction law or experience of the construction industry. However, the role will be very demanding. As well as assisting members of Chambers with research for ongoing or contemplated proceedings, the successful candidate will assist in preparing presentations, seminars and articles relating to Chambers’ principal practice areas. The candidate will also assist in books and other publications that members of Chambers are involved in.
Applicants should be motivated, able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines, and manage several projects at any one time. Previous appointees have completed the BVS/BTC or equivalent and this is regarded as highly desirable for the role. The ability to understand and analyse complex legal issues and to communicate clearly is essential. So too is a high level of competence with both online research tools (including Westlaw, Lexis, i-law, Justis, Lawtel, BAILII and Construction Law Reports) and paper sources (such as Halsbury’s Laws/Statutes).
In return, Keating Chambers offers the successful applicant a salary of c.32k p.a. and an interest-free loan to cover travelling expenses to and from work (if required) and pension scheme. In addition, the role will provide unrivalled exposure to areas of Chambers’ work and to leading practitioners involved in high profile work.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Keating Chambers is committed to (1) promoting and advancing equality and diversity in all its dealings, in particular in the provision of its services to its clients, the recruitment and retention of all Members, pupils and staff and fair access to work; and (2) providing a work environment in which all individuals, clients and the public are treated with dignity and respect. At the 2023 Chambers & Partners Awards, Keating Chambers were nominated for Outstanding Set for Diversity & Inclusion.
The selection procedure for this role (and all other roles) is operated without discrimination, that is to say without regard to irrelevant considerations such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, religion or belief, or age.
If you have a disability and require any adjustments at any stage, please inform us and we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Our website provides additional information on the accessibility of our building at https://www.keatingchambers.com/contact/accessibility/ but please contact us if you require further clarification.
How to Apply
Applications should be made by email to Elaine Browne on ebrowne@keatingchambers.com. Please provide a completed application form and a covering letter, entering LEGAL ASSISTANT POSITION in the subject of the email by midday on Wednesday 19 June 2024. Each application should name two academic referees who will be contacted prior to any offer being made.
It is anticipated that first round interviews will take place remotely and second round interviews will take place in Chambers. Dates for these will be announced in due course but we aim to complete the recruitment process by mid July 2024. Employment will commence early September by arrangement.
For further details on this role and to download our application form please see our website
http://www.keatingchambers.com/recruitment/staff-vacancies/