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- Tasks: Lead investigations into serious fraud and corruption, providing legal advice and drafting key documents.
- Company: Join the Serious Fraud Office, tackling complex financial crimes and making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme with additional perks.
- Why this job: Make a difference in high-stakes cases while developing your legal skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified barrister or solicitor with at least 2 years of post-qualification experience.
- Other info: Opportunities for hybrid work and potential travel for international collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Principal Investigative Lawyer
Serious Fraud Office
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so you may be shortlisted and invited to interview before the advert closes.
Reference number: PR/002805
Salary: £58,083 – £67,473
Staff applying on promotion within the Civil Service will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or receive a 10% increase on their existing salary. Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary. Applicants from outside of the Civil Service should be aware that starting salaries will normally be at the band minimum and you should not expect to receive a higher salary.
A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Job grade: Grade 7, Band B
Contract type: Permanent
Type of role: Investigations, Legal Services, Operational Delivery
Working pattern: Applications from candidates wishing to work full-time, part-time or with flexible working arrangements (including job share arrangements) will be considered.
Number of jobs available: 8
Contents:
- Location
- About the job
- Benefits
- Things you need to know
- Apply and further information
Location:
The role will be based at our offices at 2-4 Cockspur Street, London, SW1Y 5BS, in central London. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Informal hybrid working arrangements apply and there is an expectation that staff will attend the office regularly. Work patterns and office attendance will be agreed with successful candidates.
About the job:
Job summary
The SFO investigates and prosecutes the most serious and complex fraud, bribery and corruption, pursues the proceeds of crime, and compensates victims where possible.
As a Principal Investigative Lawyer, you will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution by providing strong leadership to drive cases forward delivering high-quality outcomes by collaborating with a variety of internal and external stakeholders worldwide.
Job description
As a Principal Investigative Lawyer, your job will include:
- Providing advice in relation to prosecutions and Deferred Prosecutions Agreements
- Drafting search warrants, attending searches, interviewing witnesses, identifying asset recovery options in tandem with our Proceeds Of Crime team and engaging counsel for trial and disclosure work
- Engagement with overseas law enforcement and prosecuting agencies, with possible travel
- Enhancing your technical skills through working with digital evidence
- (training to use our software will be provided)
- Drafting case strategy, key decisions, team building and outcomes
- Working on a variety of cases to expand your career experience
Qualifications
You must be a barrister authorised by the Bar Council to practice in England and Wales OR a solicitor, admitted by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority and authorised to practice in England and Wales with a minimum of 2 years PQE
Behaviours
We\’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
Benefits:
- Alongside your salary, the Serious Fraud Office contributes towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
- Option to join the Civil Service pension scheme. For further details, click here
- Generous annual leave provision of 25 days (excluding bank holidays) which increases to 30 days after five years’ service plus an additional day in recognition of the King’s Birthday and the option to buy or sell up to five days’ leave per year. Different terms may apply if you are already a Civil Servant.
- Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies
- Generous maternity and paternity leave provision over and above the statutory entitlements
- 24-hour access to Employee Assistance Programme – a confidential helpline offering advice on legal, financial, personal and work-related issues
- Interest-free loans to spread the cost of an annual travel season ticket or new bicycle under our cycle-to-work scheme
- Assistance towards meeting the costs of deposits for privately rented accommodation
- Voucher for eye care and discounted spectacles
- Access to a range of savings and discounts offered via the My CPS
- Access to a range of discounts through membership of the Civil Service Sports and Social Club.
Things you need to know:
Selection process details
This vacancy uses Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours and experience.
How to apply
As part of the application process, you will be required to provide:
- A CV setting out your career history , covering any relevant qualifications you hold to demonstrate the essential technical requirement. This is the LEAD criteria for the role and only candidates who meet this will have the remainder of their application considered.
- A personal statement of up to 500 words that explains how your skills and experience meet essential and desirable criteria . Desirable criteria will only be taken into account where it is necessary to further shortlist for interview
The candidates shortlisted for the next stage of the selection process will be those who have clearly demonstrated that they meet the essential experience and technical criteria for the role.
The interview stage
If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to sit a short scenario-based assessment to test your legal knowledge and skills. You will also be interviewed to explore the behaviours, strengths, and experience in more depth.
Full details of the interview process will be made available to shortlisted candidates.
A reserve list of candidates who pass the interview will be in place for 12 months.
Security Check
If successful, you will be willing to obtain SC-level security clearance. More information about the vetting process can be found by visiting:
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries
- European Economic Area (EEA) nationals with (or eligible for) status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Relevant EEA or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- Relevant EEA or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- Certain family members of the relevant (European Union) EU and Turkish nationals.
Please note that all applicants must supply appropriate right-to-work documentation and complete a successful practicing body check to ensure there are no findings or conditions relating to their ability to practice Law in the UK.
Apply and further information:
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact:
- Name: Sellick Partnership
- Email:
Principal Investigative Lawyer employer: Serious Fraud Office (UK)
Contact Detail:
Serious Fraud Office (UK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Investigative Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Serious Fraud Office's recent cases and their approach to investigations. This knowledge will not only help you understand their work better but also allow you to discuss relevant examples during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Serious Fraud Office. Engaging with them can provide you with insider insights about the role and the organisational culture, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based assessments by practising common legal scenarios related to fraud and corruption. This will help you demonstrate your analytical skills and legal knowledge effectively during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership and communication skills in your discussions. As a Principal Investigative Lawyer, these traits are crucial, so be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or influenced outcomes in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Investigative Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Principal Investigative Lawyer at the Serious Fraud Office. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific duties.
Craft a Strong CV: Your CV should clearly outline your career history, qualifications, and relevant legal experience. Focus on demonstrating your essential technical skills and ensure it is well-structured and free from errors.
Write a Compelling Personal Statement: In your personal statement of up to 500 words, explicitly address how your skills and experiences meet both the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the job description. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
Prepare for the Interview: If shortlisted, be ready for a scenario-based assessment and an interview. Review common legal scenarios and prepare to discuss your behaviours and strengths in relation to the role. Familiarise yourself with the selection process to feel confident.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serious Fraud Office (UK)
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the Principal Investigative Lawyer role. Familiarise yourself with the Serious Fraud Office's mission, the types of cases they handle, and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Since the interview includes a scenario-based assessment, practice responding to hypothetical legal situations. Think about how you would approach drafting search warrants or engaging with overseas law enforcement, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
The role requires strong leadership abilities. Be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team or project, particularly in high-pressure situations related to legal matters.
✨Demonstrate Effective Communication
Effective communication is crucial for this position. During the interview, articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Provide examples of how you've influenced stakeholders or communicated complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences.
