Lawyer
Criminal Cases Review Commission
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 28th October 2024
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About the job
Job summary
This role is permanent, however we would also welcome applications from those looking to undertake a secondment or loan.
From time to time, a criminal case ends with a wrongful conviction or sentence – there may have been errors at trial – or fresh evidence may have emerged. Sometimes there are developments in the law that require matters to be reassessed in the light of modern standards of fairness.
- Can you research and advise on issues of criminal law and evidence?
- Can you design and deliver training to keep colleagues updated on developments in the criminal justice system?
- Could you contribute to responding to litigation including judicial reviews?
If the answers are yes, then this could be the start of an incredibly rewarding career – the work you do with us can transform lives and ensure justice is finally done.
We’re looking for a lawyer to join us on a permanent basis (although we can also consider secondments and loans). The role is varied and intellectually challenging. You’ll need to be analytical, articulate, resilient and proactive. You must be able to juggle competing priorities, planning your work to ensure you give reliable and practical advice and that litigation timetables are kept to.
You’ll be part of our legal team supporting Commissioners and Case Review Managers with advice on the investigation and review of criminal convictions and sentences prosecuted in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This includes designing and delivering a continuous learning programme that ensures colleagues are updated on key cases and new legislation through modules and resources that develop knowledge of the law and legal skills.
You’ll also be asked to consider requests made in relation the Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection Act as well as assisting with challenges to the CCRC’s decisions by way of judicial review, drafting defences where appropriate.
So, if you enjoy variety, helping colleagues and have an interest in miscarriages of justice, we’d be delighted to hear from you!
Job description
Under the supervision of the In-House Counsel, you will be responsible for:
LEGAL ADVICE
- Undertake legal research and provide oral and written advice in relation to aspects of criminal law.
- Support and challenge Commissioners and staff on legal issues arising in casework.
- Provide oral and written advice on the CCRC’s statutory powers.
LITIGATION (JUDICIAL REVIEW)
- Assess the merits of challenges to the CCRC’s decisions
- Make recommendations to the In-House Counsel as to the appropriate course of action
- Draft effective responses to pre-action correspondence and claims
- Liaise with external counsel as appropriate
- Contribute to developing strategies to reduce instances of judicial review and identifying any learning points
- Manage financial expenditure effectively
POLICY AND GOVERNANCE
- Provide responses to stakeholders
- Assist in drafting submissions and responses to national consultations
- Assist in developing, reviewing and updating policy
- Ensure compliance with the CCRC’s obligations on disclosure, security and confidentiality of information
- Ensure compliance with data protection and information rights legislation
- Ensure compliance with the CCRC’s obligations under the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
- Manage the CCRC’s training programme for the Case Review Team, through devising and delivering internal training and participating in outreach work
- Keep up to date with developing law, practice and policy
- Help maintain and update internal guidance to ensure that material remains relevant, accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive
- Help maintain the CCRC’s legal library (to include electronic databases)
- Maintain CPD through internal and external events
- Support the Senior Lawyer in providing interns with appropriate support, mentoring and coaching
OTHER
- Undertake other duties which may be necessary to ensure the CCRC’s effective operation, which are in keeping with the nature of the post and business needs, including case reviews
Person specification
Essential
- Lead: Qualified solicitor or barrister or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), with recent experience gained within the criminal justice system.
- Experience of dealing with sensitive cases and providing legal advice on complex and technical areas of law.
- Strong analytical and legal research skills, including experience of analysing complex legal, factual and evidential issues and data, quickly identifying the critical issues and identifying where there is insufficient information and taking appropriate action.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to draft a variety of complex legal and non-legal documentation to a high standard, reflecting the need to communicate effectively with applicants, their representatives, members of the public and senior figures in the criminal justice system.
- Ability to effectively coach / mentor / train others in legislation, litigation and procedural matters
- Ability to manage a demanding portfolio of work including multiple cases with competing deadlines and conflicting priorities
- Competency in the use of up-to-date IT equipment and packages
- Ability to operate effectively in a remote working environment.
- Commitment to the development of your own legal knowledge and skills.
Desirable
- Experience of public law and judicial review
- Experience of information law (Data Protection Act 2018 and Freedom of Information Act 2000)
Qualifications
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including flexible working options. You can also look forward to:
- A Civil Service pension - this will see us making a significant contribution to your pension fund
- 29 days' annual leave allowance (pro rata), in addition to eight statutory bank holidays and special leave allowance for your birthday
- Generous paid maternity, paternity and shared parental leave (SPL) which is in excess of the statutory minimum
- We have flexible working patterns, including access to a flexible working scheme;
- We also operate a flexi time system which means you can build up to two additional days off per month
- Remote working (anywhere in the UK) - we will supply a chair, monitor and all the kit you need to work from home comfortably and safely
- Reimbursement for any travel, subsistence, and expenses
- 3 paid volunteering days per year
- Access to retail discounts and a cashback site
- Occupational Health Services and an Employee Assistance Programme
- Free eye tests and a contribution towards lenses or spectacles for VDU users
To find out more and apply, please visit our website.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Selection process timeline:
Applications should be submitted no later than 23:55 on the 28 October 2024.
When you complete your online application, you will be asked to provide:
- Details of your employment history, qualifications and memberships.
Our recruitment is anonymous so instead of uploading a CV, you will be asked to copy parts of your CV into the online form. In this section, we are keen to learn about your employment history and academic performance. - Essential and desirable criteria - evidence of how you meet the criteria listed within the Person Specification.
It is essential that in your written application you give evidence, using examples, of proven experience in each of the essential criteria of the person specification. Up to 250 words for each. Please note, candidates must pass the lead criteria for their application to be reviewed further
The panel will complete the initial sift by week commencing 11 November 2024, or soon thereafter. Due to a high level of queries received, we kindly ask that you do not contact us for updates before this time. Regardless of the outcome, we will contact all applicants.
Candidates who are shortlisted will be required to complete a short essay question. This will be sent via email, on 13 November 2024 and candidates will have until midday 12:00pm on 20 November 2024 to submit the essay. Please note we will be unable to arrange an alternative deadline date.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview week commencing 25 November 2024. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates upon invitation to interview.
One of our HR colleagues will be on hand to answer any queries you may have throughout the process.
Please note, the above dates are subject to change. It may not be possible to accommodate alternative requests for assessment and interviews. Please refer to candidate pack for the indicative timeline.
As part of our application process, you will be prompted to provide details of any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process that you need. If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying, do contact the HR team in the first instance.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Please contact the HR Team
- Email : HR@ccrc.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : HR@ccrc.gov.uk