Legal Counsel (Enforcement Team)

About DFTO

DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027, and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 23,000 employees, runs over 6,000 services a day and delivers over 450 million customer journeys across its networks every year. This accounts for 26% of total UK passenger journeys and 30% of passenger miles. Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators that are already under public ownership – LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeastern, South Western Railway (SWR) and c2c.

Primary purpose

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape something new. DFTO is setting up a new Enforcement Team, an industry first, which will be responsible for all prosecution activity across the DFTO Group. As DFTO’s Enforcement General Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in delivering DFTO enforcement strategy and policy, and supporting our leadership team to provide confident, informed decision‑making. Specifically you will manage a varied caseload of criminal litigation matters across DFTO and TOCs that impact the rail network. Such matters could include fraud, theft, fare evasion, disorderly conduct, trespassing and property damage and vandalism ("Railway Offences"). You will provide high quality legal advice, preparing cases, and representing the organisation in court, ensuring compliance and successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage criminal cases, including fraud, theft, fare evasion, and public order offences, applying thorough evidence review and accurate documentation, so that cases progress efficiently and achieve successful outcomes.
• Represent DFTO and TOCs in court proceedings relating to Railway Offences, delivering clear, persuasive advocacy and adhering to procedural requirements, so that cases are presented professionally and the organisation’s interests are protected.
• Provide clear and timely legal advice to assigned leadership groups, building relationships with stakeholders and translating complex legal issues into practical guidance, so that decisions are informed, compliant and risk is minimised.
• Review and determine whether cases should be prosecuted or resolved by settlement, and draft any associated correspondence where appropriate, applying sound judgment and commercial awareness, so that risks are managed and cost‑effective outcomes are achieved.
• Maintain appropriate legal competency and knowledge, including staying up to date with changes to legislation, particularly in relation to laws, rules and regulations that directly affect the business and the rail industry.
• Liaise with industry stakeholders and third parties, including law enforcement and external counsel (where appropriate), on investigations and prosecutions, maintaining open communication and timely updates, so that cases progress smoothly and collaboration is effective.
• Work collaboratively with case managers and other legal professionals on continuous improvement initiatives, sharing knowledge and coordinating efforts, so that case preparation is consistent, robust and aligned with best practice.
• Prepare and draft discussion papers to the functional leadership team, as well as broader business areas, to broaden awareness of legal risk and inform joined‑up decision making with relevant stakeholders.
• Provide regular information and reports of work in progress to the General Counsel (Enforcement) and Senior Legal Counsel (Enforcement) as required.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures for criminal enforcement, contributing practical insights from case experience, so frameworks and processes remain effective.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with the authority to conduct litigation, admitted to practice in England & Wales, with proven experience of working for a reputable law firm/chambers/in‑house organisation.
• Experience in criminal litigation, including case preparation and advocacy.
• Proven ability to manage a varied caseload, including complex matters such as fraud, theft, fare evasion, and public order offences.
• Strong legal analytical skills and ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical advice and influence at a senior management level.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise competing demands and deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure.
• Collaborative team player with a professional and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to research effectively using platforms such as PLC/Lexis Nexis or other trusted sources.
• Background in rail, other transport, or other regulated industries is desirable but not essential.

Vacancy Details

• Duration: 2 year Fixed Term contract/secondment
• Location: Hybrid/London Waterloo/Leeds
• Salary: up to £73,368
• Closing date: TBC

DFTO Benefits

• Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)
• DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution
• Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry

Additional Information

Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.

About our people and the recruitment process — We’re an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone. We encourage flexible working and will do our best to help and invest in your career with us, while you have a healthy work life balance.

Contact: If you have any questions or require any reasonable adjustments, please contact jason.blakemore@dftoperator.co.uk

Closing instruction: Please do not email any CVs; your application must be made by clicking the 'Apply' button.