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Legal Advisor (Assistant Principal Level) in the Department of Social Protection

  • Image for Employer
    Department of Social Protection
  • Image for Job Ref
    Ref: #JOB-2442167
  • Image for Location
    Co. Dublin,
  • Image Position
    No of positions: 1
  • Image Part Time
    Paid Position
  • Image Hours per week
    41.15 hours per week
  • Image for Euro
    To be Confirmed
  • Image for Published
    Published On: 09 Apr 2026
  • Image for Closing
    Closing On: 01 May 2026

In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid employment permit. Please review the Eligibility and requirements for an employment permit if you are unsure of your eligibility to apply for this vacancy. 


The person appointed to the role will be expected to provide advice and legal assistance on any matters assigned to them by the Head of the legal unit which may include but is not limited to:
	Contributing to the work of the DSP by─
	applying professional expertise as a qualified legal professional to support operational, policy, legislative and strategic priorities of the Department and the agencies under its aegis;
	seeking to achieve strategic and policy-focused decision-making in relation to legal issues, with due respect to the State Litigation Principles.
Dealing with areas of legal dispute and responding to litigation commenced against the DSP or its agencies.
Statutory Interpretation.
Assisting with legislative drafting.
Furnishing legal advice and assistance  relating to matters such as the following: 
administrative law;
civil & criminal law;
commercial law;
constitutional law;
data protection;
employment law;
EU law;
pensions law;
practice & procedure;
procurement & Contract law;
property law;
social welfare law;
tax law.
Preparation and enforcement of compliance orders.
The initiation of judicial proceedings including prosecutions.
Preparation of briefs for consideration of counsel
Instructing external solicitors and counsel, as required. 
Carry out other duties as may be assigned from time to time
Education requirements
Essential Entry Requirements, Qualifications and Experience
Candidates must, on or before the closing date hold a certificate as a practising solicitor from the Law Society of Ireland, or be admitted to and hold membership of the Bar of Ireland or, if not a member of the Law Society or the Bar of Ireland:
	hold a Level 7, or equivalent, third level qualification with law as a major subject; and
	have completed and passed the final examination (FE-1) of the Law Society of Ireland or, if holding a Barrister-at-law degree from the Bar of Ireland/Honourable Society of Kings Inns, have completed, and passed the Essentials of Legal Practice Course  of the Law Society.
	have successfully completed the 2-year training period with a practicing solicitor as required by the Law Society of Ireland as a condition precedent to undertaking Professional Practice Course of that society.
	have successfully completed the Professional Practice Course of the Law Society and the required in-office period of practice.
Ideally candidates should be capable of demonstrating that they have experience in managing sensitive and complex litigation, including judicial review, and/or drafting legislation and/or dispute resolution.
In particular, applicants must establish within their application, that they possess those qualities, skills and knowledge required for the role of Legal Advisor at Assistant Principal level as identified by the Capability Framework below, as set out in (Appendix A) of the candidate information booklet
Applications to be made via www.gov.ie/dspcareers until 3pm Fri 1st May 2026 candidate queries to  DSPCareers@welfare.ie
  • Sector:

Career Level

  • Experienced [Non-Managerial]

Candidate Requirements

Essential Desirable

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