Legal Advisor in Exeter

Nustaff are currently recruiting for a Legal Advisor for a police Legal Services Department.

You will provide a comprehensive legal service to the Chief Constables of two Forces, their officers and staff, and the Offices of the Police and Crime Commissioners.

You will give tactical and strategic advice on a wide range of legal issues. You will report to the Senior Legal Advisors and work mainly within one of three teams: Litigation, Operations or Vulnerability. You will help with the other areas when business need requires.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a large and varied caseload, advising on contentious and non-contentious matters, including high-profile and high-risk issues
• Litigation: handle civil claims, Employment Tribunals, Inquests and Judicial Review applications
• Operations: prepare and present police officer gross misconduct cases, give disclosure and commercial advice, and bring applications such as Football Banning Orders and Proceeds of Crime Act applications
• Vulnerability: obtain civil preventative orders such as Domestic Violence Protection Orders, Closure Orders, Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and Stalking Protection Orders, and support officers when orders are breached
• Provide real-time advice on police operations, including protests and policing events
• Act as an advocate for the Chief Constable in a range of legal proceedings
• Review and approve advice drafted by Paralegals as part of the duty advice scheme
• Advise and influence decision makers at all levels, including senior leaders
• Represent the Forces at meetings with external agencies such as local authorities, Coroners Services and Probation Services
• Supervise and support Paralegals and Legal Administrators, and deliver training and monthly legal updates

Essential Criteria:

• LLB (Hons) at 2:1 level, or another degree at 2:1 level where the CPE was passed with commendation
• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (with Civil Litigation practising rights)
• Experience of handling contentious matters
• Comprehensive knowledge of legal principles, legislation, case law and police law
• Ability to manage a considerable and diverse caseload and give clear advice
• Ability to work under pressure and respond flexibly within time constraints
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
• Excellent research and investigative skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to think critically and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• IT literate, with the ability to navigate specialist databases and systems

Please note

• The role requires MV and SC vetting clearance.
• It involves working with disturbing evidence, vulnerable people and environments with potential for conflict. Reasonable adjustments will be considered.
• Training will be provided on force systems, including Iken Case Management.

• Pay: £26.41 per hour (PAYE) or £34.74 per hour (Umbrella)
• Contract: 12 months fixed term
• Hours: 37 per week
• Working pattern: Hybrid

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds, who share a passion for improving people's lives. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also age, disability status, sexual orientation, religion and many other parts of one’s identity. All of our employee’s points of view are key to our success, and inclusion is everyone's responsibility