Criminal Lawyer, Proceeds of Crime Team

Government Recruitment Service; Leeds; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Government Recruitment Service is seeking a Criminal Lawyer to prosecute confiscation, restraint and enforcement proceedings under POCA, supporting the Insolvency Service’s fight against financial crime. You will own your caseload, coordinate with investigation officers and Asset Recovery Teams, and work with counsel on court proceedings.

The role offers flexibility (full-time, part-time, job share) with development opportunities and a culture of ownership and impact.

Responsibilities

• review cases and decide whether to apply for restraint, confiscation, receivership or reconsideration of confiscation orders, and on what terms
• advocate in the Magistrates' Court, and prepare cases for the Crown Court, presenting them clearly and persuasively
• decide how to respond to defence proposals, when to withdraw or compromise an application, and whether to seek compensation or costs
• work with investigation officers and the Asset Recovery Teams to make sure applications are built on strong evidence, recognising that the best outcomes come from close joint working
• give clear, accurate and timely advice on Proceeds of Crime proceedings across the Service
• take ownership of your casework from review through to enforcement, staying accountable for the decisions you make and the outcomes you deliver
• contribute to knowledge-sharing and best practice, and support the development of colleagues, with the potential to supervise paralegals undertaking CILEx study or to manage a Legal Officer

Job description

For nearly 150 years, we've protected the UK economy with deep expertise and rigour, building the confidence that helps businesses access lending, investment and opportunity.

We help people deal with personal insolvency. We make statutory redundancy payments when insolvent employers can't. We investigate director conduct and take action where it's needed.

And right now, we're changing how we do all of this, becoming faster, more digitally driven, and more focused on stopping problems before they escal.

More than 2,000 of us work in offices across England, Scotland and Wales. It might be time for you to join us.

The role

We're looking for a Criminal Lawyer who wants more than a job that ticks boxes. You'll prosecute confiscation, restraint and enforcement proceedings under Part 2 of the Proceeds of Crime Act, making sure criminals don't keep the proceeds of their offending. This directly supports our aim to combat financial misconduct.

This is a role for someone who wants to think bigger, challenge the way things have always been done, and take ownership of the outcomes that matter.

We offer full-time, part-time, job share and flexible working. We invest in your development and give our people the space to grow, take ownership and make decisions.

Reporting to the Senior Lawyer, you'll join the Legal Services Proceeds of Crime Team, part of our Criminal Lawyer Team, which leads the Insolvency Service's confiscation, restraint and enforcement litigation. You'll work closely with investigation officers and the Asset Recovery Teams in the Enforcement Group to build strong cases, and with Counsel or agent solicitors where cases go to court. You'll take ownership of your own caseload, deciding when to make an application, how to run it, and when to change course.

What you’ll do (Responsibilities)

You’ll use your expertise and judgement to:

• review cases and decide whether to apply for restraint, confiscation, receivership or reconsideration of confiscation orders, and on what terms
• advocate in the Magistrates' Court, and prepare cases for the Crown Court, presenting them clearly and persuasively
• decide how to respond to defence proposals, when to withdraw or compromise an application, and whether to seek compensation or costs
• work with investigation officers and the Asset Recovery Teams to make sure applications are built on strong evidence, recognising that the best outcomes come from close joint working
• give clear, accurate and timely advice on Proceeds of Crime proceedings across the Service
• take ownership of your casework from review through to enforcement, staying accountable for the decisions you make and the outcomes you deliver
• contribute to knowledge-sharing and best practice, and support the development of colleagues, with the potential to supervise paralegals undertaking CILEx study or to manage a Legal Officer

You’ll occasionally travel to other regional centres or conferences as the role requires.

In their own words

"I am proud to have worked on a number of interesting and complex Confiscation cases in my role as POCA lawyer in the Insolvency Service. This work directly contributes to the Agency Strategy's Combat objective, by ensuring criminal enforcement has the greatest impact on those who have benefitted from crime."

- Alex, Grade 7 POCA Lawyer

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Criminal Lawyer, Proceeds of Crime Team

Company: Government Recruitment Service Salary: £58,686 to £58,686 a year Hours: Full-time Location: Leeds Job type: Permanent Posting date: 13 Nov 2026 Closing date: 30 Nov 2026