Police Lawyer (Misconduct) - Hybrid in England

The Legal Services Directorate of Avon and Somerset Constabulary is offering an exciting opportunity for a lawyer who has a real interest in pursuing a career in policing. Our legal team is looking for lawyers to join and help shape our newly created misconduct team. No specific experience of policing or police misconduct knowledge is required, and whilst previous regulatory experience would be desirable, it is not essential. All training and guidance will be provided by our friendly and supportive team.

We are seeking applicants who are effective communicators and who possess excellent team player skills, with the motivation to support colleagues in Professional Standards to advise on misconduct and vetting matters from early stages of their investigations through to final hearings and appeals. The wider team provides legal advice on a broad range of legal issues to the whole organisation from the Chief Constable to operational staff. We are looking for an individual who can also offer an outstanding service across a broad range of legal work, which includes handling cases of national interest and importance. This is a fast paced environment where no one day is the same.

The successful applicant will need to be resilient, adaptable in their approach to case management, have the ability to take ownership and initiative and demonstrate a willingness to learn. Equally important is a proactive approach that demonstrates a high level of performance and service delivery and the ability to build strong working relationships with other teams across the organisation.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Advising upon and managing cases involving police misconduct & vetting regulations.
• Reviewing and advising upon internal policies, procedures, contracts, MOUs and collaboration agreements.
• Providing general advice to officers and staff on a range of legal issues in accordance with the duty lawyer scheme.
• Supervising paralegals and supporting the wider team.
• Assisting the Senior Lawyers and Senior Leadership Team.

Skills, experience and qualifications required:

• You will need to be a qualified solicitor, Barrister or FCILEx with rights of audience in England and Wales.
• Demonstrable experience in advising on legal matters and issues, preferably with experience to managing your own caseload.
• Ability to act under pressure and respond quickly to changing and conflicting demands.
• Demonstrate good team player skills and excellent legal research and analytical skills.

What we can offer you:

• A package of financial, lifestyle and health benefits to support whatever stage of life you’re in, including: Flexible working, Continuous professional development, Local Government Pension Scheme, Employee Assistance scheme offering help through counselling services, legal advice, fitness advice, personal coaching and health assessment, Staff discount scheme for savings on shopping, days out, sporting events, holidays.

In our Headquarters in Portishead, you’ll have access to a 24 hour gym, on-site Costa Coffee shop and beautiful grounds.

This role is blended therefore you will be able to work from home the majority of the time, however, you will need to attend court as required within the Avon and Somerset Police area. Please note that your secondary location will be Police & Fire HQ, Valley Road, Portishead, North Somerset, BS20 8QJ which you will be required to attend regularly.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 5 year checkable history in the UK ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years.

We are holding an Employer Information Session on Thursday 29th January between 3pm - 4pm, during this session you will meet the department to learn more about the role, the recruitment process and working for Avon and Somerset Constabulary. This will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you would like this role and how your experience aligns with what we’re looking for to quoting vacancy number 7450. All applicants must reside within the UK.