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- Tasks: Lead legal advice on railway safety enforcement and manage a team of lawyers.
- Company: Join the Office of Rail and Road, a key UK government department focused on rail safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a Civil Service pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on railway safety while developing your legal career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in civil or criminal litigation.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and five paid volunteering days.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 85000 £ per year.
Location: London/Birmingham/Bristol/Glasgow/Manchester/York
About the role:
Sellick Partnership is delighted to be partnered exclusively with the Office of Rail and Road to recruit a Senior Legal Advisor into their growing legal services team. The successful Senior Legal Adviser will be responsible for advising in the area of railway safety enforcement, including supervising where necessary two Grade C safety lawyers. The role has a focus on criminal prosecution work, but you will also be required to advise on safety policy matters. This role will be responsible for pushing forward change in the way ORR's rail safety directorate (RSD) work with our Legal Services team on preparing prosecutions and will require close liaison with senior management in RSD.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Working very closely with senior management in RSD to ensure appropriate cooperation between RSD and Legal Services teams.
- Having a visible leadership role within the RSD/Legal Services interface which will involve troubleshooting and problem-solving in conjunction with inspectors.
- Providing advice in respect of ORR's safety functions including in relation to health and safety policy.
- Providing general legal advice to railway inspectors to enable them to carry out their safety enforcement duties.
- Managing a caseload of prosecution cases relating to health and safety offences on the railways.
- Line managing two Grade C safety lawyers, supervising them where necessary on their caseload.
- Working collaboratively with other lawyers to provide legal training to inspectors.
- Highlighting to senior colleagues any significant legal risks particularly in your practice area on a timely basis.
- Proactively liaising with legal teams/advisers of stakeholders and other government departments/regulators as appropriate.
- Representing ORR externally including at Whitehall Prosecutors Group.
- Leading in managing relationships with external legal counsel as required.
- Assisting the General Counsel, the Deputy Director and other legal colleagues in ensuring that ORR has first class legal advice to support delivery of its corporate strategy and business plan.
Experience should include:
- Behaviours: Leadership, making effective decisions, communicating and influencing and working together.
- Experience: Civil or Criminal Litigation (including sound knowledge of the Code for Crown Prosecutions), or Health and Safety prosecutions.
- Technical: Excellent legal skills, including strong analytical powers and the ability to master new areas of law quickly.
- Mandatory qualifications: You will be a Solicitor or Barrister qualified to practise in England and Wales.
Benefits available:
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Civil Service Pension Scheme.
- Flexible/hybrid working pattern.
- Family-friendly policies.
- Generous remuneration package.
- Interest-free season ticket loan.
- Career development opportunities.
- x5 days paid volunteering days.
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying, please submit your CV together with a covering letter demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss the role in more detail, you can contact Mark Bladen in the Sellick Partnership London office for more information.
Closing date: 23:55pm on Sunday 11 May 2025.
Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Senior Legal Adviser (Safety) employer: Sellick Partnership Limited - Public Sector
Contact Detail:
Sellick Partnership Limited - Public Sector Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Adviser (Safety)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Office of Rail and Road's recent initiatives and challenges in railway safety. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the legal and railway safety sectors. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with current employees or industry experts who can provide insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences and how you've effectively managed teams in the past. The role requires strong leadership skills, so be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to guide and support others.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest developments in health and safety law, particularly those related to the rail industry. Being well-informed will not only boost your confidence but also show your commitment to staying at the forefront of legal practices relevant to the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Adviser (Safety)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Legal Adviser (Safety) position. Pay close attention to the key responsibilities and desired experience outlined in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in civil or criminal litigation, particularly in health and safety prosecutions. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to make effective decisions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly address how you meet the essential criteria mentioned in the job description. Use concrete examples to illustrate your legal skills and analytical abilities, and explain why you are passionate about railway safety enforcement.
Proofread and Format: Ensure your application documents are well-formatted and free from errors. A clean, professional presentation can make a significant difference. Double-check that your cover letter does not exceed the 10,000 character limit and is concise yet informative.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership Limited - Public Sector
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the Senior Legal Adviser (Safety) role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around railway safety enforcement and criminal prosecution work. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves managing two Grade C safety lawyers, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share specific examples where you've successfully led a team or managed challenging cases, highlighting your problem-solving abilities.
✨Demonstrate Legal Expertise
Be ready to discuss your knowledge of civil or criminal litigation, particularly in health and safety prosecutions. Prepare to answer questions that assess your analytical skills and ability to quickly master new areas of law, as these are crucial for the position.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about the Office of Rail and Road's current challenges in safety enforcement or their collaboration with legal services. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
