The Legal Services Directorate at Avon and Somerset Police is offering an exciting opportunity for a Lawyer to work in the field of Civil Litigation.
We are seeking a Lawyer who is motivated to make a real difference to one of the organisation’s key objectives of upholding and maintaining community and public confidence.
You must show enthusiasm and aptitude for this area of work. You will manage and organise a caseload of pre litigated and litigated civil work; Judicial Reviews; and Inquests under the supervision of the Senior Lawyer. Claims will involve Employer’s Liability, Road Traffic Collisions and Public Liability claims arising out of contact with the police.
You will form part of a wider Legal Services team who provide a comprehensive range of legal advice and representation to the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner.
We are a friendly team with a strong emphasis on teamwork and creating a supportive working environment.
Responsibilities
* Advise upon and manage cases involving civil litigation; inquests; and judicial reviews.
* Providing legal advice and guidance on all civil matters to the Chief Constableidentifyinglegal and reputational risk.
* Investigating and case-managing pre-action and litigated civil claims.
* Representingthe Chief Constable at Court hearings and within mediation and settlement meetings.
* Assisting the Senior Lawyers and Senior Leadership Team in the provision of legal advice and guidance.
* To supervise junior staff in the handling of their own case files and in the provision of general advice to officers and staff on a range of legal issues.
* Deputise for Senior lawyers and the Head of Legal Services in Gold and Silver Groups.
Qualifications
* Qualified solicitor, Barrister or FILEX with rights of audience in England and Wales
* Demonstrable background in civil litigation.
* Ability to act under pressure and respond quickly to changing and conflicting demands
* Excellent oral and written communication skills
* Knowledge of the ECHR, Judicial Review and Inquests is desirable but not essential
* Experience of supervising and managing junior staff is desirable but not essential.
This role is being advertised at Lawyer Level 3, however applicants who meet the relevant criteria and experience for Lawyer Level 2 will also be considered.
Salary will be dependent on the level appointed:
* Lawyer Level 2: £47,046 – £50,949
* Lawyer Level 3: £52,194 – £55,944 plus a £3,000 Market Factor payment (Market Factors are reviewed annually and are not contractual).
Further details about each role can be found in the attached role profiles. When applying, please clearly state whether you are applying for the Level 2 or Level 3 position and demonstrate how you meet the criteria. This will be assessed during the interview process.
Benefits
A package of financial, lifestyle and health benefits to support whatever stage of lifeyou'rein, including:
* Flexible working
* Continuous professional development
* Local Government Pension Scheme
* Employee Assistance scheme offering help through counselling services, legal advice, fitness advice, personalcoachingand 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.
This role is blended therefore you will be able to work from homethe majority ofthe time, however, you will need to attend court asrequiredwithin the Avon and Somerset Police area. Please note that your secondary location will be Police & Fire HQ, Valley Road, Portishead, North Somerset, BS20 8QJwhich you willbe requiredto attend regularly.
To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 5 year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years.
Employer Information Session
We will be hosting an Employer Information Session on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. This virtual session, held via Microsoft Teams, will give you the opportunity to meet the department and learn more about the role, the recruitment process, and what it’s like to work for Avon and Somerset Constabulary. To register for this event please click here.
Candidates who are successfully shortlisted will be invited to attend an in-person interview, scheduled to take place at Police Headquarters, Portishead on Thursday, 23rd & Friday 24th April 2026.
If you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact legalservices@avonandsomerset.police.uk. We would be delighted to hear from you!
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV along with a covering letter that includes your qualification details (including date of qualification), any relevant regulatory ID, your reasons for applying, and how your experience aligns with the requirements of the role. Email your application to talentpolicestaff@avonandsomerset.police.uk, quoting vacancy number 7615.
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 for this role 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.
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