Join to apply for the Legal Advisor role at Devon and Cornwall Police.
Pay and Benefits
Base pay: £50,949 rising to £55,944 per annum + Excellent Benefits including Government Pension.
Location: Hybrid Working/Police HQ, Exeter, England.
Hours per week: 37 hours. Part‑time arrangements and flexible working patterns are considered.
About the role
The principal responsibility of the Legal Advisor is to provide a comprehensive legal service to the Chief Constables of both Forces, their officers and staff and the Offices of Police and Crime Commissioners (OPCC). Legal Advisors report to Senior Legal Advisors within the Legal Services Department and provide tactical and strategic advice on a wide and varied range of legal issues.
Legal Advisors operate within the three teams that exist within the Legal Services Department; Litigation, Operations and Vulnerability. The skillset required within each area is commensurate with the level of work across the entire remit of the role. Each Legal Advisor will primarily work within one of the three teams but will be required to undertake work in the other areas when necessary, according to business need.
Key responsibilities
* Provide proactive legal advice at tactical and strategic level across Litigation, Operations and Vulnerability.
* Liaise with, advise and influence decision making of staff at all levels of the organisation, including Senior Leadership.
* Investigate, research, and advise upon a range of contentious and non‑contentious legal issues, including high‑profile and high‑risk matters.
* Manage a large and varied caseload of files.
* Represent the Chief Constable and the OPCC in a variety of legal proceedings including Civil Litigation, Employment Tribunals, Inquests, internal misconduct hearings, Family Court proceedings and obtaining Civil Preventionary Orders.
* Provide real‑time tactical advice on police operations.
* Task and direct individuals within other business areas and external agencies to provide a comprehensive legal service.
* Ensure appropriate organisational learning is identified and progressed.
* Deputise for Senior Legal Advisors and take on responsibilities in their absence.
* Prepare and deliver training on relevant legal issues within the Forces.
* Make safeguarding referrals where appropriate.
* Attend national Association of Police Lawyers sub‑committee meetings and represent the Forces at meetings with external agencies.
* Supervise, monitor and assist the wider team of Paralegals and Legal Administrators.
* Provide ongoing support to new Paralegals and Legal Advisors through a departmental buddy system.
* Prepare and present monthly legal updates to the internal team.
* Collaborate on departmental projects and draft articles for the Legal Services newsletter and blog.
Benefits
* A competitive salary with yearly increments.
* 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years of continuous employment, plus bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time workers).
* Access to heavily subsidised gym membership on police sites.
* Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme for discounts and services.
* Company sick pay.
* Job‑related equipment as required.
* Free onsite parking at many police sites.
* Group insurance scheme via salary sacrifice.
* Support networks including free Employees Assistance Programme and occupational health & wellbeing services.
* Development and training opportunities.
* Supportive and flexible training plan with regular check‑ins during the initial period.
* Flexitime and hybrid working options, subject to business need and training plan approval.
Seniority level
Not Applicable.
Employment type
Full‑time.
Job function
Legal and Other.
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