Division Overview:
The CCPC has two in-house legal divisions: the Competition Legal Division (CLD) and the Consumer Corporate Legal Division. This competition is for a role within the Competition Legal Division.
The Competition Legal Division is a team of lawyers who support the CCPC in delivering on all aspects of its competition law functions. The Division’s primary focus is advising the Commission and case teams on mergers and competition enforcement. In relation to mergers, the Division advises on all aspects of the CCPC’s merger review function under the Competition Act 2002, as amended. On competition enforcement, the Division advises on criminal enforcement and the CCPC’s novel administrative enforcement regime introduced by the Competition (Amendment) Act 2022. The Division also has a very busy litigation function and is responsible for managing legal proceedings and legal risk on behalf of the CCPC. In addition, the Division also advises the Commission on legislation and policy relating to competition law and enforcement, for example, the Digital Markets Act, and on other aspects related to the CCPC’s expanding remit.
CLD is led by the Director of Legal (Competition). The team consists of two Deputy Directors, one with responsibility for mergers and one with responsibility for competition enforcement, and a current team of seven lawyers supplemented by external consultants where required. Where appropriate, the CCPC also engages external barristers and solicitors to advise on a variety of legal matters. The team works closely with case teams on mergers/investigation files and also has a key role in advising the Commission on matters of strategic importance.
Given the CCPC’s evolving remit and ambitious enforcement objectives, this is a rare opportunity to join a division at the forefront of advising on novel, complex and exciting legal issues in Ireland.
The Role:
The CCPC is seeking to recruit a Legal Advisor at Higher Executive Officer (HEO) grade to work in the Competition Legal Division. The Legal Advisor will provide legal advice to the Commission and its various Divisions on administrative and criminal enforcement of competition law and on the statutory merger review regime and will take an active role in all legal aspects of the CCPC’s competition law functions including litigation matters. They will also have opportunities to gain experience of other areas of law which impact the CCPC, including public procurement law and Freedom of Information.
This is an exciting opportunity for a junior lawyer to be at the forefront of the competition regulatory landscape in Ireland and to make a significant contribution to the delivery of legal services within a dynamic organisation with a wide range of enforcement and regulatory powers.
This position offers a fulfilling and responsible role in a busy and challenging environment dealing with interesting and varied legal issues. We strongly promote and support the personal development of every one of our lawyers and on the job training and education will be provided.
The broad range of issues dealt with by the Competition Legal Division means you will have direct engagement with decision makers, while playing a key role in ensuring that CCPC decisions are legally robust, and that legal risk is managed effectively.
The Successful Candidate:
The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and motivated lawyer with a genuine interest in competition law/mergers and public regulation. They will be required to demonstrate strong leadership, analytical, organisational and interpersonal skills together with the ability to analyse complex legal issues, provide practical legal support and communicate effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide high quality, clear and timely legal advice on all aspects of the CCPC’s competition law functions including investigations, enforcement action and merger review
- Support the management of both administrative and criminal legal proceedings relating to the CCPC’s competition law functions.
- Provide proactive legal advice and support to the CCPC’s enforcement case teams and build and develop relationships within the CCPC to further embed cross-divisional working.
- Liaise with and maintain effective and professional working relationships with external parties, including external legal counsel, government officials, other enforcement agencies in Ireland and the EU and the European Commission.
- Represent the CCPC at both national and international level at meetings and conferences e.g. European Competition Network (ECN).
- Assist in making proposals or recommendations to Government Ministers regarding legislative changes which will promote competition and/or consumer welfare.
- Promote the Vision, Mission and Values of the CCPC that will pro-actively contribute to the CCPC achieving its strategic objectives.
Essential:
- Candidates must have been called to the Bar in the State and entered on the Roll of Practising Barristers maintained by the LSRA or have been admitted and be currently enrolled as a solicitor in the State or equivalent.
- At least two years of demonstrated relevant experience.
- Proven ability to provide clear, strategic and practical legal advice.
- Oral and written fluency in the English language.
Desirable:
- Relevant qualifications and/or experience in law above the essential requirements.
- Knowledge of the work of the CCPC, including knowledge of Irish and EU competition law and the Irish merger review regime.
- Knowledge of Irish civil and criminal court practice and procedure.
- Experience in dispute resolution, litigation, or regulatory investigations.
- Experience advising on civil or criminal investigations and/or inspections and enforcement powers.
Application Process:
To apply for this role using the link on the CCPC careers page, please submit an up-to-date CV, no longer than two pages.
Applicants should note that canvassing will result in your exclusion from the process.