Civil Litigation Lawyer - Hybrid Working

Avon Products; Portishead; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A police legal team in Portishead is seeking a qualified solicitor for handling civil claims and providing legal advice. The role requires excellent communication and research skills, a strong ability to manage workloads, and prior experience in contentious matters. Benefits include flexible working, professional development, and access to on-site amenities.

Benefits

Flexible working

Continuous professional development

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance scheme

Staff discount scheme

Access to a 24-hour gym

On-site Costa Coffee shop

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge in ECHR, Civil Procedure Rules, Criminal Law.
• Previous experience of handling contentious matters generally.
• Ability to make applications to court.

Responsibilities

• Investigating and case-managing civil claims.
• Providing legal advice on civil matters to the Chief Constable.
• Representing the Chief Constable at Court hearings.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to manage and organise own workload effectively

Good computer literacy skills

Excellent legal research and analytical skills

Ability to act under pressure

Demonstrate good team player skills

Education

Qualified solicitor with rights of audience in England and Wales

5-year ‘checkable history’ in the UK

Job description

The Legal Services Directorate of Avon and Somerset Constabulary is offering an exciting opportunity for a lawyer who has a real interest in pursuing a career in an in‑house police legal team. The team provides legal advice on a broad range of legal issues to the whole organisation including employment matters, civil litigation, civil injunctions and inquests. Applications are invited from all legal backgrounds as experience of policing, whilst advantageous, is not required. We are looking for an individual who can offer an outstanding service and has a particular interest in civil litigation. You must show enthusiasm and aptitude for this area of work. You will manage and organise a caseload of pre‑litigated and litigated civil work under the supervision of the Senior Lawyer. Claims will involve Employer's Liability, Road Traffic Collisions and Public Liability claims arising out of contact with the police. Experience in dealing with Inquests and Judicial Review is desirable but not essential. We are a team which favours a strong skillset and enthusiasm over experience, and you will be provided with the appropriate support to enable you to expand your existing knowledge, skills and experience. If you are eager to take the next step in your career and work in an inclusive environment, in a developing area of law where no one day is the same, we would welcome your application.

Responsibilities

• Investigating and case‑managing pre‑action and litigated civil claims.
• Providing legal advice and guidance on all civil matters to the Chief Constable identifying legal and reputational risk.
• Representing the Chief Constable at Court hearings, Tribunals and within mediation and settlement meetings.
• Assisting the Senior Lawyers and Senior Leadership Team in the provision of legal advice and guidance.

Qualifications

• Must be a qualified solicitor with rights of audience in England and Wales.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to make applications to court.
• A comprehensive knowledge and understanding in at least one of the following: ECHR, Civil Procedure Rules, Criminal Law and knowledge of the principles of obtaining civil preventative orders, knowledge of employment Tribunal matters and Police Misconduct Regulations.
• Previous experience of handling contentious matters generally.
• Ability to manage and organise own workload effectively.
• Ability to act under pressure and respond quickly to changing and conflicting demands.
• Demonstrate good team player skills.
• Good computer literacy skills including experience of common Microsoft packages.
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills.
• To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 5‑year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years.

Benefits

A package of financial, lifestyle and health benefits to support whatever stage of life you're in, including:

• Flexible working
• Continuous professional development
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance scheme offering help through counselling services, legal advice, fitness advice, personal coaching and health assessment
• Staff discount scheme for savings on shopping, days out, sporting events, holidays
• In our Headquarters in Portishead, you'll have access to a 24‑hour gym, on‑site Costa Coffee shop and beautiful grounds.