Police Lawyer

Avon and Somerset Police; Portishead; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A police service in Portishead is offering an exciting opportunity for a qualified lawyer to join the operational policing law team. Responsibilities include advising on civil applications, preparing legal papers, and attending court. Applicants should possess strong communication and team player skills, with a proactive approach. This role offers hybrid working with flexible arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package including professional development and pension scheme.

Benefits

Flexible working

Continuous professional development

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance scheme

Staff discount scheme

Access to a 24-hour gym

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or FCILEx with rights of audience in England and Wales.
• Advocacy experience desirable in court proceedings.
• Demonstrable experience in Criminal Law.

Responsibilities

• Assess evidence and advise officers regarding civil applications in courts.
• Prepare papers for urgent applications.
• Attend court for various civil preventative orders.

Skills

Effective communicator

Team player skills

Ability to act under pressure

Legal research and analytical skills

Education

Qualified solicitor, barrister or FCILEx with rights of audience in England and Wales

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 police law. The Directorate are looking for an individual to join our operational policing law team.

No specific experience of policing or operational policing law knowledge is required, and whilst previous advocacy experience would be desirable, it is not essential. All training and guidance will be provided by our friendly and supportive team. We are seeking applicants who are effective communicators and who possess excellent team player skills, with the motivation to support colleagues and make a difference in making use of legal tools to keep our communities safe across a number of the Force’s key priority areas.

The wider team provides legal advice on a broad range of legal issues to the whole organisation from the Chief Constable to operational staff. We are looking for an individual who can also offer an outstanding service across a broad range of legal work, which includes handling cases of national interest and importance. This is a fast‑paced environment where no one day is the same. The successful applicant will need to be resilient, adaptable in their approach to case management, have the ability to take ownership and initiative and demonstrate a willingness to learn. Equally important is a proactive approach that demonstrates a high level of performance and service delivery.

In this role, your main responsibilities will be:

• Assessing evidence and advising officers and police support staff, and working with partner agencies, in relation to civil applications in the Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Court, Family Court, County Court (e.g. Civil Injunctions, Property Closure Orders, Proceeds of Crime Act forfeiture applications, Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, Sexual Risk Orders, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention and Protection Orders, Domestic Violence Protection Orders, Stalking Protection Orders, Forced Marriage Protection Orders, Dangerous Dogs Act applications).
• Preparing papers for such applications as set out above, often on an urgent or short‑notice basis.
• Attending court and making applications for the various types of civil preventative orders available to the police to protect the public from harm.
• Providing general legal advice on operational policing law matters, including but not limited to matters relating to public order, policing operations and protests.
• Reviewing and advising upon internal policies, procedures, contracts, MOUs and collaboration agreements.
• Providing general advice to officers and staff on a range of legal issues in accordance with the duty lawyer scheme.
• Supervising paralegals in the undertaking of legal research in respect of the provision of general advice to officers and staff on a range of legal issues.
• Assisting the Senior Lawyers and Senior Leadership Team in the provision of legal advice and guidance at a strategic level, including national and local projects and policy.

Skills, experience and qualifications required/desirable:

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or FCILEx with rights of audience in England and Wales.
• Advocacy experience desirable in at least one of the Magistrates, County Courts, Tribunals or Misconduct proceedings.
• Ability to make applications in court.
• Demonstrable experience in Criminal Law.
• Ability to act under pressure and respond quickly to changing and conflicting demands.
• Good team player skills and excellent legal research and analytical skills.

Please see attached role profile for further information on the role.

What we can offer you:

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.

Additional Information:

This role is blended; therefore you will be able to work from home the majority of the time, however, you will need to attend court as required within the Avon and Somerset Police area. Your secondary location will be Police & Fire HQ, Valley Road, Portishead, North Somerset, BS20 8QJ, which you will be required to attend regularly.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 5‑year “checkable history” in the UK – ideally, that means you have been resident in the UK for the last five years.

We are holding an Employer Information Session on Thursday 29 January between 3 pm – 4 pm, during which you will meet the department to learn more about the role, the recruitment process and working for Avon and Somerset Constabulary. This will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams. Please email [e-mail] quoting job reference 7360; further details will be provided.

Candidates who are successfully shortlisted will be invited to attend an in‑person interview, scheduled to take place on Thursday 26 February 2026.

Please see attached the job description for further information. If you would like more information about this opportunity, or you feel you do not meet all of the required skills and experience, please contact [e-mail]. We would be delighted to hear from you!

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you would like this role and how your experience aligns with what we’re looking for to [e-mail] quoting vacancy number 7360.

Blended Working / Hybrid Working

Avon and Somerset Police encourage flexible working where operationally possible. This role has been identified as a blended role. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work from home whilst also at a secondary work location, which will be a police premises. The successful applicant will have the option to discuss working arrangements with their line manager. All applicants must reside within the UK.