Senior Lawyer - Civil Litigation

Senior Lawyer – Civil Litigation

£59,697 to £64,929

Are you ready to join one of the most ambitious and forward-thinking legal teams in the UK? West Midlands and Staffordshire Police Joint Legal Services (JLS) , is seeking a dynamic Senior Lawyer – Civil Litigation to lead, inspire, and deliver an outstanding legal service to its client’s across the regions.

Why This Role Stands Out

As Senior Lawyer, you’ll represent the Chief Constables of West Midlands and Staffordshire Police, navigating a diverse and fascinating caseload, including claims of false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and infringement of human rights. No two days are the same—whether you’re leading a complex case from start to finish, managing an ambitious team, or influencing strategic objectives, your work will make a real difference.

Beyond casework, you’ll support the Principal Solicitor by leading a dedicated team of lawyers, trainees, and paralegals, ensuring excellent service delivery. This role offers a unique blend of legal challenge, strategic input, and team leadership, with scope to drive forward career development.

This is your chance to blend independence with collaboration, drawing on your civil litigation expertise to tackle high-profile cases while driving innovation and growth across the JLS team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Representing your clients in court, tribunals, and hearings, advocating for justice and compliance.
• Managing claims from cradle to grave, ensuring timely advice, compliance with CPR deadlines, and high-quality representation.
• Supporting the Principal Lawyer in leading a talented team of lawyers and support staff.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team, including a lawyer, trainee legal advisor, and paralegal.
• Drafting complex legal documents and collaborating with external counsel when necessary.
• Support strategic objectives by overseeing key projects, managing risk, and allocating work effectively.
• Engaging with multi-agency partnerships and influencing lessons learned to improve organisational processes.
• Attend Gold Command meetings and liaise with multiple agencies to provide clear legal guidance.
• Balancing an independent caseload while contributing to team leadership and strategic projects.

What You Bring

• A professional legal qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive, with significant PQE
• Proven expertise in civil litigation, including claims related to false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, data protection, and human rights.
• A track record of handling high-profile cases with minimal supervision.
• Proven leadership skills, including experience in performance management, team development, and delegation.
• A proactive, diplomatic approach with the ability to manage risk effectively and inspire others.
• A “can-do” attitude, with the ability to build relationships and navigate the complexities of in-house legal practice.

Why Join Us?

• Career Development: Comprehensive training, tailored inductions, and opportunities for internal promotion in a forward-thinking team.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working (two days per week in the office), a 36.5-hour workweek, and flexitime.
• Competitive Benefits: 28 days’ annual leave (rising to 33 after five years), annual pay increases, and access to a Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Diverse, Challenging Work: Engage with a variety of interesting and sensitive cases that make a tangible difference.
• Modern Environment: Operate in a tech-savvy, supportive team that values innovation and collaboration.

Benefits

We understand that great legal professionals deserve great rewards. That’s why we offer a benefits package designed to support your career and your wellbeing:

• 28 days’ annual leave, rising with service, plus the option to buy additional leave.
• Hybrid working (minimum 2 days per week at Lloyd House, Birmingham).
• Access to Police Mutual services, offering financial advice, healthcare, loans, and more.
• Local Government Pension Scheme, with flexibility to suit your retirement needs.
• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced parental leave and childcare voucher schemes.
• Discounts on gym memberships, travel, leisure, homeware, and tech.
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to shape the future of civil litigation while making a tangible impact on public safety and justice, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and become a pivotal part of a team where your skills, ambition, and leadership will drive real change.