Job Description: Criminal and Enforcement Lawyer Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time Salary: Up to £53,701 per annum Location: 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.