Criminal and Enforcement Lawyer - Chelmsford

Job Description: Criminal and Enforcement LawyerContract Type: Permanent, Full-TimeSalary: Up to £53,701 per annumLocation: Chelmsford (with hybrid working options)Closing Date: 18th April 2024

Role Overview

We are seeking a qualified Criminal and Enforcement Lawyer to join a dynamic legal team specializing in criminal and enforcement law. This role offers an opportunity to work on a variety of challenging and high-profile cases, providing expert legal advice to internal and external clients.

The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and supporting the delivery of exceptional legal services. This role requires strong technical expertise, excellent advocacy skills, and the ability to manage a varied caseload in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Legal Advice and Case Management:
   • Provide accurate and timely legal advice on criminal and enforcement matters to internal and external clients.
   • Handle a full caseload of contentious and non-contentious matters, including fraud cases, confiscation proceedings, consumer complaints, planning enforcement, and environmental prosecutions.
   • Act as the reviewing lawyer on criminal cases, ensuring attention to detail at all stages.
2. Advocacy and Representation:
   • Represent clients in court proceedings, including drafting charges and preparing cases for hearings and sentencing.
   • Instruct and liaise with counsel as necessary.
3. Compliance and Safeguarding:
   • Ensure all advice and actions comply with legal and regulatory frameworks, with a focus on safeguarding client interests.
   • Draft and serve formal notices and legal documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
4. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Build strong relationships with internal teams, external clients, and partners, including other local authorities and public sector bodies.
   • Support the development of new business opportunities for the legal team.
5. Performance and Development:
   • Contribute to the achievement of team and corporate objectives.
   • Participate in training, development, and mentoring of junior colleagues as required.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive, with membership in the appropriate professional body.
• Evidence of continuing professional development, ideally with 2+ years' post-qualification experience (though candidates with less experience will be considered).
• Expertise in advising at all stages of criminal investigations, from pre-charge to sentencing.
• Proven ability to manage a diverse caseload with a focus on criminal and enforcement matters.
• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills, with attention to detail in case preparation and execution.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships.

Working Style

This role offers hybrid working arrangements, with an expectation to attend the Chelmsford office 2-3 days per week based on business needs. Flexible arrangements, including part-time or job share opportunities, will also be considered.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and local government pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave allowance with options to purchase additional leave.
• Access to employee well-being programs, including counseling and health plans.
• Discounts on shopping, travel, and leisure activities.
• Payment of professional fees for approved professions.
• Learning and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring.