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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new legal team and shape enforcement strategy for the rail industry.
- Company: Join DFTO, the government’s public sector rail owning group, transforming train operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on the future of Great British Railways.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with 5+ years in civil litigation.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on collaboration and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
About DFT Operator
Join Our Team at 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 (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeastern, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c and Greater Anglia.
Primary Purpose of Job:
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. This is a significant change in strategic approach, and as DFTO’s Senior Legal Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in influencing DFTO enforcement strategy and policy, and assisting our leadership team to support confident, informed decision-making. Importantly, you will work alongside the Enforcement General Counsel to establish and help lead a new legal team—setting its vision, building capability, and creating a high-performing, future-focused legal function from the ground up. This role is ideal for a senior legal leader who thrives on impact, enjoys operating at a strategic level, and is motivated by building teams and shaping culture.
You will provide expert and strategic legal advice services across the DFTO Group and Train Operating Companies (TOCs) through leading on complex and high-profile cases related to civil litigation matters in the Enforcement team, including contractual disputes, debt recovery, property claims, injunctions, and enforcement of judgments, with a strong focus on fare evasion and other Railway related issues.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as a key legal and strategic adviser for all civil litigation matters referred to the Enforcement team relating to DFTO, and/or its TOCs, liaising closely with the General Counsel (Enforcement) and other lawyers in the team to develop strategy and facilitate a high quality and aligned approach to the provision of legal advice.
- Lead and oversee the preparation and management of complex civil cases, including contractual disputes, debt recovery, and property-related claims, achieving successful outcomes that protect organisational interests and revenue.
- Represent DFTO and TOCs in civil court proceedings, including complex and high-profile cases, providing robust advocacy and effective presentation, so that cases are effectively resolved, and the organisation’s interests are protected.
- Supervise, guide and develop more junior lawyers within the team, and Case Managers, providing oversight and guidance where appropriate, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.
- Build and cultivate relationships with stakeholders across the group (including DFTO and TOC leadership), as well as external holders (industry partners, regulators, enforcement agents and external counsel) to effectively manage cases and foster collaboration and alignment.
- Provide proactive, high level and strategic advice to executive leaderships team across DFTO and the TOCs, so that materially significant legal risks are identified early, mitigated effectively and executive decisions are informed.
- Oversee and lead the review and determination as to whether cases should proceed to litigation or be resolved by settlement and draft any associated correspondence, where appropriate, so that risks are managed, and cost-effective outcomes are achieved.
Qualifications:
- Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with authority to conduct litigation, admitted to practice in England & Wales, with proven experience (5 years+) working for a reputable law firm/chambers/in house organisation.
- Significant post-qualification experience in civil litigation, including in complex and high-profile cases.
- Proven track record of leading case strategy and managing sensitive or high-value matters.
- Experience in mentoring and developing junior lawyers or legal teams.
- Experience in negotiating settlements and alternative dispute resolutions.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to explain complex legal and risk issues in accessible, plain English terms.
- A strong team player, with a professional and collaborative approach, with the ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships across the businesses and with key external stakeholders (including the DfT and Network Rail).
- Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise competing demands.
- Ability to identify and minimise corporate legal risk and influence at a senior management level.
- Experience of working with or in a Railway and/or regulated industry desirable.
Duration: 2 year Fixed Term contract/secondment
Location: Hybrid / London Waterloo/Leeds
Salary: up to £85,000K
Closing date: 13th February 2026
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)
Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry.
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 our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don’t always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we’ll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.
Contact: If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact. Please do not email any CVs to us, your application must be made by clicking the 'Apply' button.
Senior Legal Counsel (Civil) in London employer: DfT Operator
Contact Detail:
DfT Operator Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel (Civil) in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend legal events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at DFTO. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Ace the Interview
When you land that interview, prepare to showcase your strategic thinking and leadership skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve influenced decisions or led a team through complex cases. Show them you’re the perfect fit for shaping their new Enforcement Team!
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a great way to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates about DFTO there.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel (Civil) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in civil litigation and any relevant railway industry knowledge. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Senior Legal Counsel, you’ll be leading a team, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your mentoring and team-building abilities. Share examples of how you've developed junior lawyers or fostered a collaborative culture in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and avoid legal jargon where possible. We appreciate clear communication, so make sure your points are easy to understand and get straight to the heart of your experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on civil litigation, especially in the context of railways. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legal precedents that could impact DFTO's enforcement strategy. This will show your expertise and readiness to tackle complex issues.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Legal Counsel, you'll be expected to lead and mentor junior lawyers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and build a high-performance culture.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
DFTO is all about public ownership and improving rail services. Research their mission and values, and think about how your role can contribute to these goals. Being able to articulate this connection during your interview will demonstrate your alignment with their vision.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think through potential challenges DFTO might face in civil litigation and how you would approach them. This will showcase your strategic thinking and ability to manage risks effectively.
