Principal Criminal Litigation Lawyer (Locum)

Spirehouse Recruitment; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Principal Criminal Litigation Lawyer on a locum basis to support a well-regarded local authority. This senior role involves providing legal advice, advocating in courts, and managing a caseload. The ideal candidate must have strong experience in the field, proven advocacy skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. The position offers a hybrid working pattern and is initially for 3 months, likely to extend. Competitive hourly rates are available.

Qualifications

• Strong post-qualification experience in criminal litigation within a local authority.
• Proven advocacy experience before courts and tribunals.
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload and work effectively under pressure.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and representation to Members and Officers on criminal and regulatory matters.
• Advocate before Magistrates’ Courts and First-tier Tribunals.
• Manage a criminal litigation caseload and draft legal documents.
• Attend Licensing Committees and Sub-Committees to provide legal guidance.
• Deputise for the Principal Lawyer and support junior lawyers.

Skills

Strong post-qualification experience in criminal litigation

Proven advocacy experience before courts and tribunals

Ability to manage a demanding caseload

Supervisory or team leadership experience

Job description

Job Title : Principal Criminal Litigation Lawyer (Locum)

Type : Full time

Duration : 3 months initially, likely extension

Hourly rate : £55 - £60 p / hr (inside IR35)

Location : Central England

Working pattern : Hybrid

I am currently supporting a well-regarded local authority that is seeking to appoint a Principal Criminal Litigation Lawyer on a locum basis to support its legal team.

This is a senior litigation role offering a mix of advocacy, advisory work, and team support within a busy and high-profile local government legal service.

The role :

• Provide legal advice and representation to Members and Officers on criminal and regulatory matters
• Advocate before Magistrates’ Courts and First-tier Tribunals
• Manage a criminal litigation caseload and draft legal documents
• Attend Licensing Committees and Sub-Committees to provide legal guidance
• Deputise for the Principal Lawyer and support junior lawyers

The ideal candidate will have :

• Strong post-qualification experience in criminal litigation within a local authority
• Proven advocacy experience before courts and tribunals
• The ability to manage a demanding caseload and work effectively under pressure
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience (desirable)

Spirehouse Recruitment is an equal opportunities employment business and agency, welcoming applications from all candidates. Salary levels and PQE ranges are provided as a guide only, with all applicants assessed on their individual merits.