Location: Royal Courts of Justice, Belfast
Contract type: Full time, with irregular hours
Job details
Be at the centre of Northern Ireland’s most interesting public service work
This is one of the most senior legal roles within government in the United Kingdom, and the government’s top lawyer doing the most interesting public service work in Northern Ireland. The Crown Solicitor is a legal official appointed by law and reports to the Advocate General for Northern Ireland.
The Crown Solicitor’s Office is an excellent and hard-working team of lawyers, and the successful candidate will be asked to build and strengthen the modernisation and collaboration plans to bring the team closer to counterparts in Northern Ireland and in the rest of the wider United Kingdom.
The Crown Solicitor’s Office's work is varied, and as high in volume as it is in profile. They cover inquests and civil claims relating to the legacy of Northern Ireland’s troubled past; non-legacy inquests and civil claims; judicial reviews, often involving complex constitutional issues; employment advisory and litigation cases; immigration; extradition; commercial and debt recovery; condemnation proceedings; and Bona Vacantia work.
Drive forward justice and innovation
The Crown Solicitor’s Office are looking for an exceptional lawyer and outstanding leader to be the new Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland. You will be an expert in domestic law, in dealing with senior Ministers, and speaking plainly about the law and the justice system. Plus, you’ll get up to speed quickly about the challenges facing the UK government in Northern Ireland.
You’ll lead the Office Management Board, overseeing strategy, resourcing, governance, performance, and culture, while inspiring colleagues to drive innovation. Also, you’ll oversee four Deputy Directors and the work of their teams. The role involves overseeing and strategically leading all civil litigation in Northern Ireland involving UK Government Departments listed under Section 17 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947, as extended by the Crown Proceedings (NI) Order 1981, and acting in litigation matters for those entitled to instruct under Section 35(3) of the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973 (as amended).
In this role, you’ll handle extradition matters under the Extradition Act, represent the Advocate General for Northern Ireland when required, and act as the Treasury Solicitor’s nominee in Bona Vacantia cases.
You’ll own very senior and complex relationships with clients and stakeholders in Northern Ireland, Whitehall and within national security arenas. In all areas, you’ll be an active legal leader, representing the Office’s interests at GLP Core Group Meetings and the GLSNI Management Board.
Who you are
To qualify for the position, for ten years’ standing, you must be a solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland or a member of the Bar of Northern Ireland.
As you’ll be working in a complex, intense environment, you’ll need to have a confident manner with senior interlocutors, sophisticated and versatile communication skills (verbal and written), and highly developed handling skills. These skills will need to translate into having an effective, credible presence in the highest levels of government. You’re able to demonstrate excellent judgment, self-reliance, awareness and personal development.
As you’ll have substantial governance, sponsorship and managerial responsibilities, you’ll need to bring experience of legal leadership, including on transformation programmes. Diversity and inclusion are business critical to the successful operation of the Office. A track record of effectiveness in this area is essential.
Please note that the successful candidate will be required to undergo developed security vetting, which is a condition of appointment.
The benefits you’ll receive
Join the Crown Solicitor’s Office and you’ll receive a wide range of excellent benefits, including a Civil Service pension, flexible working options and a work culture that encourages inclusion and diversity.
The Crown Solicitor’s Office value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are under-represented in our workforce. They promote equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment and a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation.
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