G7 Criminal Lawyer

The Insolvency Service; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the UK is looking for a qualified Solicitor/Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive to join their criminal team. The role focuses on prosecuting insolvency-related fraud and corporate misconduct. Responsibilities include managing cases, providing legal advice, and attending court. The position offers hybrid working arrangements, ensuring a minimum of 60% in the workplace.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

25 days annual leave

Competitive maternity and paternity leave

5 days paid leave for development

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Qualified to practise in England and Wales.
• Sound knowledge and experience in criminal law.
• Experience of advocacy in court is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload from decision to trial.
• Provide advice on criminal investigations.
• Attend court and represent cases.

Skills

Criminal law knowledge

Legal analysis skills

Ability to give legal advice

Advocacy skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor/Barrister/Chartered Legal Executive

Minimum 2:1 degree

Job description

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join our expanding and dynamic criminal team within the Legal Services Directorate. We specialise in prosecuting offences concerning insolvency related fraud and corporate misconduct, including Covid‑19 loan fraud and the new criminal offences under The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). The role involves prosecuting a wide range of offences across England and Wales and advising on criminal investigations.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of varying complexity from decision whether to prosecute through to trial.
• Give clear, accurate and timely advice on the conduct of criminal investigations.
• Instruct counsel or agent solicitors where appropriate.
• Build effective working relationships with colleagues and investigators to develop focused case strategies.
• Attend court and undertake advocacy in the Magistrates' Court as appropriate.
• Work on cross‑Whitehall initiatives as part of the Government Legal Profession.
• Contribute to knowledge management and share best practice.
• Deliver training across the Service and potentially supervise paralegals undertaking CILEx.
• Potentially manage a Legal Officer or Legal Officers within the Criminal Lawyer Team.
• Travel to senior leader conferences and other regional centres as required.

Requirements and Experience

• Qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales.
• Completed a training contract, pupillage or qualifying employment, or exempted by the relevant professional body.
• Mandatory academic achievement: minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent, with specific CILEx Level 6 scores required as set out.
• Sound knowledge and experience of criminal law, including evidence, disclosure and procedure.
• Reliable legal judgment and appreciation of legal risk.
• Sound legal analysis research skills.
• Good understanding of public law.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of fraud or financial crime litigation.
• Experience of advocacy in the Magistrates' Court.

Working Arrangements

Hybrid working is available. Employees are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert, spending a minimum of 60 % in the workplace, including office, site visits and court.

Other Information

Individuals with disabilities will receive reasonable adjustments. The Insolvency Service does not sponsor Skilled Worker visas. In order to process applications without delay, a Criminal Record Check will be sent to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements and flexi‑time.
• Annual leave of 25 days (up to 30 days after 5 years) plus 8 public/bank holidays and an additional privilege leave day.
• Competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave.
• 5 days paid leave for learning and development, 5 days paid for volunteering.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Access to employee assistance programme and workplace wellness support.
• Contribution to Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Insolvency Service welcomes applications from all, including groups underrepresented in the workforce. We maintain 10 active employee network groups and promote an inclusive workplace.

Application Process

Selection will assess behaviours, experience and technical skills. A written test of legal skills and interview questions will be conducted.