Criminal Prosecution Solicitor

Overview

In this role you will provide specialist legal advice and advocacy on a broad criminal prosecution caseload to support the Council’s statutory functions. You will work within the Legal Services team to protect community wellbeing and deliver fair, proportionate outcomes. The position focuses on school attendance enforcement, environmental crime and anti-social behaviour matters, collaborating with partner agencies and courts. This is an opportunity to shape safer communities through expert prosecution work in local government. You will join a forward-thinking council that values work-life balance, flexible/hybrid options and professional development.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Local Government Pension
• 28 days annual leave (32 after 5 years)
• flexible and hybrid working
• Learning & Development
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice, support and advocacy across local authority criminal prosecutions
• Manage and prosecute cases related to school non-attendance, environmental enforcement and anti-social behaviour
• Represent the Council in Magistrates’ Court and with partner organisations
• Progress and manage a varied criminal prosecution caseload from instruction to conclusion
• Stay up-to-date with legislation, case law, guidance and best practice
• Build and maintain relationships with internal clients and external stakeholders
• Deliver customer-focused legal advice aligned with Council objectives
• Instruct and manage external legal specialists and counsel when needed
• Collaborate with the Legal Manager on complex or sensitive matters
• Contribute to continuous development of the Legal Services team
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the role

Key requirements

• Qualification as a Solicitor or Barrister
• Comprehensive knowledge of criminal prosecution law, including legislation, case law and procedures
• Experience providing clear, practical criminal law advice
• Strong advocacy skills with court representation experience
• Excellent research and analytical abilities
• Outstanding drafting skills for legal documents and court papers
• Strong communication and negotiation abilities with diverse stakeholders

• strong communication
• negotiation
• stakeholder management
• criminal prosecution law
• case law and procedures
• legal drafting

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