At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice and support across multiple train operating companies.
- Company: Join a pivotal public sector organisation shaping the future of Britain's railway.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public service while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 2-6 years' experience and strong drafting skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 73000 £ per year.
DFT Operator (DFTO) is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Our purpose is to bring train operators into public ownership ahead of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027, while delivering improvements now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. This is a rare opportunity to join us at a defining moment for the railway. Based in Birmingham, at the heart of one of the UK’s most important transport and commercial centres, you will support businesses that serve communities across the network every day while contributing to a major public sector programme shaping the future of Britain’s railway.
DFTO has more than 30,000 employees, runs over 8,500 services each day and delivers more than 640 million customer journeys every year. With more operators joining public ownership, this is an exciting time to be part of a growing organisation with a clear public service mission. Our train operating companies already under public ownership include LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express, Southeast, South Western Railway, c2c, Greater Anglia, West Midlands Trains and GTR. Our priority is simple: to provide efficient, dependable rail services for everyone.
About the Legal & Compliance Directorate: Our Legal & Compliance Directorate provides legal support, oversight and strategic direction across multiple DFTO train operating companies through both day-to-day operations and a period of significant change. We partner closely with our business partners and industry stakeholders to help manage risk and support sound commercial decision-making in a complex, highly regulated public sector environment. We are a collaborative, well-respected and supportive team, known for providing accessible, pragmatic and commercially focused advice. Our lawyers work across a varied mix of operational matters and strategic projects, with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully in a frontline public service environment.
About the role: As Legal Counsel, you will work closely with the Senior Legal Counsels and the Regional General Counsel to provide legal advice and support across multiple DFTO train operating companies. The businesses you support may evolve over time as the legal team and wider organisation continue to develop. This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer looking to develop a broad in-house practice. You will gain exposure to commercial contracts, procurement, disputes, regulatory issues, corporate compliance and public sector duties. You will work closely with colleagues across legal, compliance and the wider business, building strong stakeholder relationships and developing into a trusted adviser with the support of an experienced and collaborative legal team.
Who are we looking for? We are looking for a capable and motivated lawyer who is keen to develop in-house and attracted by the opportunity to work in a complex, operational and publicly significant environment. You will ideally bring:
- Qualification as a solicitor or equivalent, with around 2–6 years’ post-qualification experience (although we are open to considering strong candidates outside this range)
- Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with experience of commercial contracts
- An interest in working across a broad range of legal and compliance matters in a regulated environment
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex legal and commercial issues and explain them clearly to a range of stakeholders
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines
- A collaborative, professional and pragmatic approach, with the confidence to build trusted relationships across the business
- Strong communication, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills
- An interest in public sector and rail-related issues; prior rail experience and/or in-house experience would be welcome, but is not essential
Why join us? This is an opportunity to build an interesting in-house practice while contributing to work with real public impact. You will gain exposure to senior stakeholders and be part of a supportive legal team in a business of genuine scale and significance. You will also benefit from:
- Annual leave: 25 days on joining, rising by one additional day per completed year of service in the first five years, up to 30 days
- Pension: Defined contribution pension scheme with a 10% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution
- Opportunities to learn, develop and build your network across the wider rail industry
Vacancy details: Duration: Permanent Location: Hybrid, primarily based in our Birmingham office Salary: £60,000–£73,000, depending on experience
Additional information Contact: If you have any questions about the role or require any reasonable adjustments, please contact Jason Blakemore.
Legal Counsel - Birmingham employer: DfT Operator
Joining DFTO as a Legal Counsel in Birmingham offers a unique opportunity to be part of a pivotal moment in the UK's railway transformation. With a strong commitment to public service, you will work within a collaborative and supportive legal team, gaining exposure to a diverse range of legal matters while contributing to meaningful improvements in rail services. The company prioritises employee growth, offering generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities to expand your professional network across the rail industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including DfT Operator, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel - Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at DfT Operator, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in DfT Operator and the specific role of Legal Counsel - Birmingham. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for DfT Operator’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at DfT Operator.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at DfT Operator.
