Overview
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 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.
In This Role, Your Main Responsibilities Will Include
* Advise upon and manage cases involving civil litigation; inquests; and judicial reviews.
* Providing legal advice and guidance on all civil matters to the Chief Constable identifying legal and reputational risk.
* Investigating and case-managing pre-action and litigated civil claims.
* Representing the 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.
* Depuse for Senior lawyers and the Head of Legal Services in Gold and Silver Groups.
Skills, Experience and Qualifications Required
* 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 and Levels
* 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).
What We Can Offer
* 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
* Access to a 24-hour gym, on-site Costa Coffee shop and grounds at our Headquarters in Portishead
This role is blended; 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 this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years.
Informational Session and Application
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. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an in-person interview at Police Headquarters, Portishead on Thursday, 23rd & Friday 24th April 2026.
If you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact us. 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.
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