First Law

Appointment of Legal Assessors 2010

Added Friday 22nd January 2010

The General Medical Council (GMC) is looking to increase its pool of legal assessors to advise its Investigation Committee, Fitness to Practise Panel and Interim Orders Panel on questions of law arising in the proceedings before them and to advise on the drafting of decisions in accordance with Schedule 4 Paragraph 7 to the Medical Act (the Act) 1983, as amended. The Act provides that legal assessors shall be barristers, advocates or solicitors of at least 10 years’ standing.

The GMC’s adjudication function is due to transfer to the Office of the Health Professions Adjudicator (OHPA) in 2011.  In the meantime, the GMC continues to need the services of legal assessors.

The time commitment varies but applicants should expect to commit to a minimum of 30 days a year.  The majority of GMC hearings take place in Manchester, but hearings are also held in London and applicants must be prepared to sit in both locations.

To promote full involvement, we particularly welcome applications from women, people from the black and minority ethnic communities and people with a disability.

If you are interested in applying please request an application pack from Anthony Armitage at First Law, by e-mail at panels@firstlaw.co.uk.  For enquiries about the recruitment process, please telephone 020 7353 8888.  The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 22 February 2010.

Written assessments will take place on 8, 13 and 14 April in Manchester

Interviews will take place between 10 and 21 May inclusive in London.

Training sessions will take place between 14 and 25 June inclusive, location to be confirmed.