Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our dynamic team as a Civil Litigation Lawyer, providing legal advice and representation.
- Company: Be part of Joint Legal Services, supporting Staffordshire and West Midlands Police.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, enhanced leave, discounts, and a comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in civil litigation while working collaboratively with diverse clients and colleagues.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with civil litigation experience.
- Other info: Candidates must pass vetting and medical checks; commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Joint Legal Services are looking for a lawyer who specialises in Civil Litigation matters to join our busy and dynamic team. The lawyer will provide legal advice and representation under the general direction of the Director of Joint Legal Services (JLS). As a lawyer, you will work collaboratively with a variety of clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders to provide a comprehensive legal service to the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner for both Staffordshire and West Midlands Police.
Working within the Civil Litigation Team you will have a case load consisting of claims made against our clients. Examples of these claims include false imprisonment, misfeasance, malicious prosecution, wrongful arrest, HRA and the risk management issues arising therefrom. You will be required to undertake a degree of advocacy within this role.
Role & Responsibilities
- Work within a team of lawyers and support staff in the provision of a comprehensive legal service to the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner for both Staffordshire and West Midlands Police.
- To advise and provide representation (including advocacy where required) in relation to legal proceedings and hearings before the relevant Courts & Tribunals.
- Work with external legal services (including Counsel) where necessary.
- Provide timely legal advice to all clients as required.
- Carry a complex case load providing advice and advocacy as required.
- Draft legal documents.
- To carry out any other duties commensurate with the purpose and grading of the post that may from time to time be determined.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential:
- Professional legal qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (with a Civil Proceedings Certificate to undertake Advocacy).
- Experience in handling a complex Civil litigation case load, such as claims for false imprisonment, misfeasance, malicious prosecution, wrongful arrest, and the risk management issues arising therefrom with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrate sound analytical skills and judgement.
Desirable:
- Previous experience in a legal environment within a public sector in-house team.
- Experience in using case management or similar systems.
- Judicial Reviews.
- Debt Recovery.
It is also desirable that candidates have exposure and/or some knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
- Employment claims: including discrimination, harassment victimisation, whistleblowing, pay equality, pensions, unfair dismissal, and other contractual claims.
- Operational police orders: including orders under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, Stalking Protection Orders, Violent Offender Orders, orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, injunctions to prevent forced marriages, firearms and alcohol licensing.
- General police powers and The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
- Advising in contractual and commercial issues arising concerning procurement of goods and services.
- Advising on matters of governance, collaboration, corporate and compliance.
- Police discipline/misconduct.
Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.
Hours: The post holder will be required to work core service hours.
Location: Lloyd House, Birmingham.
Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Management Vetting and Security Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.
Medical: Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test.
Interviews: Interview dates to be confirmed.
Contact: For further information regarding this role, please contact Michael Smith on
West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader – the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a \’Disability Confident Interview Scheme\’ – all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.
It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.
Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities.
By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including:
– Fair remuneration with progression opportunities, and access to a very competitive pension scheme.
– Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements.
– Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities.
– A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Civil Litigation Lawyer employer: West Midlands Police
Contact Detail:
West Midlands Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Civil Litigation Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific types of civil litigation cases mentioned in the job description, such as false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to speak confidently about your relevant experience during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals who work in public sector legal teams or have experience with police-related civil litigation. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your advocacy experience in detail. Since the role requires a degree of advocacy, think of specific examples where you've successfully represented clients in court or during hearings, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the West Midlands Police and their current legal challenges. Understanding their priorities and recent developments can help you tailor your responses in the interview and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Civil Litigation Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in civil litigation, particularly with claims like false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. Use specific examples to demonstrate your analytical skills and judgment.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to work with the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner. Mention your relevant qualifications and how they align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Advocacy Experience: Since advocacy is a key part of this role, include any relevant experiences where you have represented clients in court or tribunals. Highlight your ability to handle complex cases with minimal supervision.
Research the Organization: Familiarize yourself with Joint Legal Services and their work with Staffordshire and West Midlands Police. Understanding their mission and values will help you tailor your application and prepare for potential interview questions.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Midlands Police
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the specific duties outlined in the job description. Familiarize yourself with civil litigation matters, especially claims like false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Since the role requires advocacy, be prepared to discuss your experience in this area. Share specific examples of cases where you successfully represented clients in court, highlighting your analytical skills and judgment.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
This position involves working closely with colleagues and external legal services. Be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated in a team setting, emphasizing your ability to communicate and work towards common goals.
✨Prepare for Ethical and Accountability Questions
Given the nature of the role within the police framework, expect questions about ethics and accountability. Reflect on your understanding of the higher standards expected from police officers and how you would uphold these standards in your practice.
