Police Lawyer - Operational - Sept 26

Northyorkshire Pfcc; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 54,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Car scheme

Annual leave

Health plan

Blue Light discounts

Flexi-time

UNISON membership

Inclusion networks

Wellbeing services

Job summary

North Yorkshire Police & North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service is seeking an Operational Lawyer to provide expert legal advice and advocacy on policing matters. The role supports operational decision-making and public safety, with strong court-based experience emphasis.

You will advise on operational policing law, represent the organisation in courts, and work across a busy caseload while mentoring colleagues.

Qualifications

• Qualified legal professional in England and Wales.
• Experience in advocacy and legal case management.
• Ability to provide practical, risk-based legal advice in a fast-paced setting.
• Confident communication with senior officers and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team.
• Strong prioritisation and deadline management.

Responsibilities

• Advise on operational policing powers and PACE matters.
• Advocate in civil preventative orders and other court applications.
• Advise on public protection matters and statutory policing powers.
• Support anti-social behaviour interventions and licensing matters.
• Assist with Proceeds of Crime and related litigation.
• Handle contracts and property matters when required.
• Manage a varied and challenging caseload.
• Represent the organisation before courts and tribunals.
• Support and develop colleagues within the team.

Skills

Advocacy

Legal advice

Pace matters

Public safety

Education

Qualified Solicitor/Barrister/CILEx

Job description

Location: Based across Evolve Legal Services hubs in Peterlee, Durham HQ, Middlesbrough and Northallerton, with agile and home working options available. Frequent court attendance will be required.

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part time: approximately 33.5 hours per week (working pattern to be agreed)

Are you an advocate or lawyer looking for a unique opportunity to work at the heart of operational policing?

Evolve Legal Services is seeking an enthusiastic and capable Operational Lawyer to provide expert legal advice and advocacy on a wide range of policing matters. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment where your legal advice directly supports operational decision-making and public safety.

As a Police Lawyer (Operational), you will be responsible for advising on operational policing law and representing the interests of the Chief Constable and partner organisations in a range of legal proceedings.

Role responsibilities:

• Advising on operational policing powers and Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) matters.
• Conducting advocacy in relation to civil preventative orders and other court applications.
• Advising on public protection matters and statutory policing powers.
• Providing legal support regarding anti-social behaviour interventions.
• Advising on firearms licensing and licensing matters.
• Supporting work relating to Proceeds of Crime legislation.
• Advising on contracts and property matters where required.
• Managing a varied and challenging caseload.
• Representing the organisation before courts, tribunals and other forums.
• Supporting and developing colleagues within the team.

This position has a strong advocacy focus, making it an excellent opportunity for lawyers seeking to further develop their court-based experience.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for qualified legal professionals who are passionate about public service and enjoy working in a dynamic environment.

• A qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEx entitled to practise in England and Wales.
• Experienced in advocacy and legal case management.
• Able to provide practical, risk-based legal advice in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident communicating with senior officers, organisational leaders and external stakeholders.
• Able to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Comfortable managing competing priorities and working to deadlines.

Candidates with experience of advocacy in civil orders, particularly within the Magistrates' Court, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Experience within operational policing law, regulatory law, public law or other relevant litigation environments will be advantageous.

Why Join Us?

Working for the emergency services is both meaningful and impactful. At North Yorkshire Police & North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, we’re committed to helping colleagues reach their full potential in a fair, inclusive, and supportive environment. We value diverse perspectives and actively promote staff wellbeing so everyone can thrive.

We’re also proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, work-life balance, and professional growth:

• Local Government Pension Scheme– secure and competitive retirement planning
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme– access to affordable vehicle leasing options
• Generous Annual Leave– 24 days rising to 30 with length of service, plus bank holidays
• Health Cash Plan
• Blue Light Discount– enjoy savings at major retailers and services
• Flexi-Time for Staff Roles– tailor your working hours to suit your lifestyle while meeting team objectives
• Access to Trade Union Membership– opportunity to join UNISON
• Inclusion & Diversity Networks– connect with colleagues and contribute to a culture of belonging
• Health & Wellbeing Services– access to resources that support your physical and mental health

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• You must have the right to work in the UK, with no restrictions on your employment
• Hold afull UK manual driving licence
• Internal applicantsmust have successfully completed their probation period
• Meetresidency requirementsfor vetting:
• o MV Level Vetting– minimum 5 years UK residency

Your Application

North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service are equal opportunity employers. Both organisations are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.

Safer Recruitment

North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding is a core part of our recruitment process, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All successful candidates will undergo a thorough recruitment process and must obtain satisfactory pre-employment clearances before commencing employment, including satisfactoryVetting or DBS checks, references, and a medical assessment, including absence history. Adherence to our safeguarding policies and procedures is essential.

As part of our selection process, we’ll assess your skills and experience against the requirements of the role. We therefore encourage you totake your time to tailor your application, ensuring your responses align with the job advert and role profile.