Job details

Job Background:   
The main purpose of the role is to deliver key legal advice and representation for the PSNI. The role-holder will provide legal advice and manage complex litigation spanning a number of areas, including public law, employment law, inquests, public inquiries and other civil litigation within the jurisdiction of the High Court and County Court.

The role-holder may be deployed to one of the specific areas above or may work across a number of areas, depending on business need.  

When providing advice or managing litigation, the role-holder must identify any wider policy, operational or reputational implications for the organisation, and offer comprehensive guidance in respect of these.

 

Hours of Work: Monday – Friday, 37 working hours per week.

Salary: £61,673 - £64,469 plus £1365 environmental allowance.  

 

Main Activities:
 

The main duties and responsibilities associated with the role include the following:

Legal Advice

  • Provide specialist legal advice  on matters pertaining to public law, employment law, inquests, public inquiries and other civil litigation within the jurisdiction of the High Court and County Court.
  • Advise on the legal implications of organisational policies and operational decisions.

Litigation Management

  • Lead on litigation within the High Court, County Court, Employment Tribunal or Coroner’s Court.  Manage and instruct external counsel when required, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality representation.
  • Prepare pleadings, witness statements, and other legal documentation to ensure proceedings are conducted effectively and on time.
     

Legal Strategy and Risk Management

  • Identify potential legal risks and contribute to strategies to mitigate these.
  • Monitor changes to legislation and best practice to ensure the PSNI remains compliant and responsive.
     

Team Leadership and Oversight

  • Provide guidance, mentoring, and oversight to junior lawyers, paralegals, and administrative staff.
  • Coordinate work across legal projects, ensuring efficient handling of employment matters.
     

Additional Responsibilities and Scope

  • Exercise autonomy in managing legal matters, escalating only those with significant organisational impact.
  • Provide advice to senior leaders, including the Chief Constable, and liaise with external bodies such as the Department of Justice and the courts.
  • Authorise settlements and legal costs within defined limits.
  • Contribute to the review and development of policies, protocols, and practices.


This Job Description reflects the main duties and responsibilities associated with this position. It is not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive. 
 

Additional Information: 

An appointment will be dependent on the individual satisfying the vetting requirements for the post. The vetting requirement for successful candidates will depend on the work area appointed to. 

In some work areas the vetting clearance requirements are Counter Terrorist level (CTC), Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). All applicants must be prepared to submit to the relevant level of clearance against the post to which they are allocated.

Shortlisting will be carried out based on essential criteria. Please note in some instances, for example, where there is a high volume of applicants, desirable criteria may be assessed.

Successful applicants will be retained on a merit list for future opportunities arising. 

We would encourage you to check the spam within your email system for any relevant correspondence. 

 

Please visit the website to apply: https://www.joinpsni.co.uk/police-staff/apply/principal-legal-adviser-g7-HRPLA3025/description