Posted: 18 June
The role
Job description
Legal Officer - Adjudicator
Location: Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland, Belfast
Pay: £47,304 per annum
Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Contract: Temporary ongoing
Hours: 37 per week
Staffline Recruitment Ireland is currently recruiting a Legal Officer - Adjudicator for the Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland, based in Belfast.
This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified legal professional to play a key role in the administration of civil legal aid, ensuring applications are assessed fairly, efficiently, and in accordance with statutory requirements.
The Role
The Legal Services Agency is responsible for determining the legal merits of applications for civil legal services submitted by the legal profession. As a Legal Officer - Adjudicator, you will assess applications for civil legal aid, provide legal guidance, support appeals processes, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality legal services.
Key Responsibilities
Adjudicate on the merits of applications for civil legal aidEnsure applicants satisfy the statutory criteria for the granting of legal aidGrant, issue, refuse, discharge, revoke, and reinstate civil legal aid certificates as appropriateManage staff dealing with specific categories of legal workProvide advice and guidance to legal representatives on legal aid mattersDeliver a proactive, customer-focused, efficient, and effective service to applicants and their legal representativesMeet quantitative and qualitative performance standardsWork collaboratively with colleagues to manage workflows, achieve key performance indicators, and facilitate access to justiceParticipate in internal redetermination and review panelsSupport management in delivering corporate, policy, and strategic objectivesPrepare case notes for matters proceeding to the Civil Legal Services Appeals PanelDraft responses to Subject Access Requests, Freedom of Information requests, and complaints within required timescalesDraft or assist with drafting pre-action protocol responses where the Agency is challenged by way of Judicial ReviewAssist with quality assurance processesWork collaboratively with senior managers and a range of internal and external stakeholders, including the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service, Audit Office, Equality Commission, and other partner organisationsEssential Criteria
Applicants must:
Be qualified as a barrister or solicitor entitled to practise in Northern Ireland and hold a current practising certificate, or be in a position to do so by the commencement of the assignmentDemonstrate post-qualification experience working as part of a team providing sound legal advice and representation to clientsHave strong decision-making, analytical, and organisational skillsBe able to work effectively within a team environment and manage competing prioritiesPossess excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skillsDesirable Criteria
Experience in civil litigationAdditional Information
Hybrid working arrangements availableSecurity Clearance: Access NI or other levels of security may be required for this positionTo be shortlisted for this role, applicants must meet the essential criteria.
