Senior Legal Counsel (Enforcement) in Leeds

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 criminal litigation matters that impact the rail network. Such matters could include fraud, theft, fare evasion, disorderly conduct, trespassing and property damage and vandalism ("Railway Offences").

Manage a small team of lawyers and contribute to the development of strategies and policies that protect the rail network and comply with legal obligations. Supervise and support Legal Counsel and Case Managers and contribute to the development of strategies and policies that protect the rail network and comply with legal obligations. A unique opportunity for a criminal law expert who wants to make a lasting difference as we head towards Great British Railways.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a key legal and strategic adviser for all agreed criminal matters relating to DFTOs, and the TOCs in the owning group, liaising closely with the General Counsel (Enforcement) and other senior lawyers within the Enforcement function 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 criminal cases, including fraud, theft, fare evasion, and public order offences, so that successful outcomes are achieved that protect the rail network and recover financial losses.
• Represent DFTO and TOCs in court proceedings for all Railway Offence cases, 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.
• Manage support and develop a team of criminal lawyers, providing oversight and guidance in their provision of all agreed criminal legal support across the group, 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 (Network Rail, CPS, law enforcement and external counsel) to effectively manage cases and foster collaboration and alignment.
• Provide proactive, high level and strategic advice to executive leadership teams across DFTO and the TOCs, so that materially significant legal risks are identified early, mitigated effectively and executive decisions are informed.
• Oversee, and sometimes lead, the review and determination as to whether cases should be prosecuted or resolved by settlement and draft any associated correspondence, where appropriate, so that risks are managed, and cost-effective outcomes are achieved.
• Provide subject matter expertise through contribution to the development of policies and procedures for criminal enforcement across the rail network, so that consistent and compliant frameworks are in place that protect the railway.
• Maintain expert legal knowledge and professional competency by staying up to date with changes in legislation, case law, and regulatory requirements affecting criminal matters in the rail industry. Actively encourage and support the team to do the same, fostering a culture of continuous learning and compliance.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications:

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with authority to conduct litigation, admitted to practice in England & Wales, with proven experience (4 years+) working for a reputable law firm/chambers/in house organisation.
• Significant post-qualification experience in criminal litigation, including advocacy 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.

Vacancy Details:

• Duration: Permanent
• Location: Hybrid / London Waterloo / Leeds
• Salary: up to £85,000
• Closing date: 13th February 2026

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 are 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: Please contact jason.blakemore@dftoperator.co.uk if you have any questions or reasonable adjustments. Please do not email any CVs to us; your application must be made by clicking the "Apply" button.