Solicitor Civil Litigation & Employment
Merseyside Police Legal Services
Grade G - H (Dependent on Experience)
Grade G- £43,098.00 to £50,109.00 (NQ to 4 years PQE)
Grade H - £50,109.00 to £55,803.00 (4 years PQE and above)
Permanent
Force Headquarters
Liverpool
Merseyside Police Legal Services Department is growing, and we have a new vacancy for a qualified civil litigation solicitor with a current practising certificate.
You will be an experienced lawyer or a newly qualified solicitor with a desire to make a real difference to the communities of Merseyside.
As a department, we provide holistic legal advice and representation to the Chief Constable on a range of legal matters. Our civil litigation solicitors predominantly work on civil actions against the police, disclosure. There is also scope to deal with employment claims as well as inquests.
Merseyside Police is a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding place to work, we take pride in everything we do. The best performing urban Force as graded by HMICFRS to date, our strategy is simply to put the communities of Merseyside first. We have a strong focus on continuous improvement in the areas we're passionate about: ending Violence Against Women and Girls; tackling Serious Organised Crime and County Lines; strengthening our approach to Diversity and Inclusion; building trust and confidence through Community Engagement.
You'll be working for a friendly employer who has a passion for investing in our people and creating the conditions so you can thrive and be your best self. You will be based in our state-of-the-art Headquarters with onsite facilities such as a modern gym, a wellbeing room, a multi faith room, coffee shop and restaurant, along with agile meeting and breakout areas - all equipped with video conferencing facilities.
Job Purpose
Primarily your role will be to defend civil claims for damages made against the Chief Constable (both at the pre and post litigation stage). This will include claims for false imprisonment, assault and misfeasance and employers' liability matters. There will also be opportunities to represent the Organisation at Inquests, Employment Tribunals, Family Court disclosure matters and on commercial issues. You will also advise officers and disseminate learning as appropriate.
Ideally you will have experience of representing and advising defendant clients in all forms of civil actions against the police but training will be given so it is not essential.
You will be a committed team player and provide our in-house clients with an excellent service in a demanding environment. You will have excellent communication and analytical skills, be able to manage a full, varied, caseload and undertake advocacy at the appropriate level. You will also provide ad hoc advice across the Organisation as required.
Sound judgement, good organisational working habits and a can-do attitude with a flexible approach is essential. A proven track record of handling varied and sensitive matters along with an understanding of the requirements of a Police Organisation and/or Insurers is desirable. You will have an excellent knowledge of the CPR and an ability to utilise your skills to adapt to new challenges, taking ownership and engaging Counsel where appropriate. You will also have the opportunity to conduct your own advocacy as appropriate.
You will work from the office but can also work from home up to 2 days per week. There will of course be times where you will need to attend in person court hearings so you will need to be flexible to meet the needs of the role.
This a full-time permanent role. Your starting salary will be dependent upon experience. If you are newly qualified and up to 4 years PQE, this will be within the Grade G bracket of £43,098.00 to £50,109.00.
If you are more than 4 years PQE, your salary bracket will be £50,109.00 to £55,803.00.
In the section of the online application where you are asked to attach supporting evidence, please attach/upload a copy of your current CV outlining your relevant career history and achievements to date, detailing any gaps in your history. Please also attach/upload a cover letter outlining your reasons for applying and suitability for the role. Please disregard any reference to a 1000 word submission as there is no requirement to also provide this.
The job description and our leadership framework are attached for reference and will be used throughout the selection process to assess suitability for the role - it is therefore advisable to review prior to submitting your application.
Benefits:
Merseyside Police operates a smarter working policy, and our management teams will be happy to talk to you about how we could meet both your flexible working needs and the needs of the role you are applying for.
Flexi time policy
Free onsite parking
On site Gym
Local Government Pension
On site bistro
Staff networks
Wellbeing programme
Our commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion