85943 - Higher Courts Advocate

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
Job Title: Higher Courts Advocate
Contract Type: Permanent
Grade: G7
Salary range: National £54,358 - £61,585
Location: Darlington/ North East
Directorate/Team: Public Defender Service
Public Defender Service
The Public Defender Service (PDS) is a department of the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) that operates alongside private providers delivering a full range of high-quality services within the criminal-defence market.
Advocates are briefed both by in-house Solicitors and Solicitors in private practice to conduct cases before the Crown Court, Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. They deal with matters of all types, complexity, sensitivity and gravity.
The post holder will provide advice, assistance and representation to individuals who are subject to the investigation or prosecution of a criminal offence, with particular emphasis on advocacy relating to serious, complicated and sensitive criminal casework in the Crown Court and the Superior Courts.
The post holder will be part of an effective defence-litigation team, preparing and managing case plans, acting as sole Advocate or being led as Junior Counsel.
As a result of the experience gained from its participation in these areas, the PDS contributes credible and expert advice to the government on service and policy development affecting the criminal-justice system and acts as a test-bed for innovation and quality improvements.
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and we positively promote flexible working, including job shares.
We will consider all applications on merit regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, religion, ethnicity, preferred working pattern and except for exceptional circumstances your working location.
As a Disability Confident organisation, we will offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for this role. Under the Equality Act 2010 a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.
If you are responding to a role within the Legal Aid Agency and would like to be considered under the guaranteed interview, please ensure that you attach the Disability Confident Scheme Form when you return your application. You can use the same form to let the recruiting manager know of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the sift or later selection processes.
Job Summary
Key responsibilities
Conduct criminal cases before courts at all levels throughout England and Wales to the highest professional standards.
Act as sole Advocate or be led as Junior Advocate in relation to a range of Higher Court cases and Judicial Reviews (i.e. cases/applications before the Crown Court, High Court, Court of Appeal or Supreme Court) including complex, serious and sensitive cases, where fast-paced, legally-sound decision-making and advocacy are required.
Utilise a high level of up-to-date knowledge of criminal law and procedure, including in relation to complex, serious and sensitive cases, and procedure in the Higher Courts.
Upon reviewing prosecution evidence and receiving instructions from clients, conduct analysis and decide on case management strategies, including defence tactics, procurement of defence evidence – including expert witnesses - and the provision of plea and defence advice to defendants.
Provide leadership in tactic and case planning as part of a defence litigation team.
Decide upon the merits of appealing convictions and sentences and provide advice and representation to clients on appeals and judicial reviews in the Court of Appeal and the High Court.
Maintain excellent working relationships within the PDS and the wider LAA/MoJ, sharing expertise and knowledge, and informing policy-making and changes to the Criminal Justice System with experience gained in your practice.
Act as a role model for other Advocates and team members, including providing training and mentoring to colleagues.
Supervise pupil barristers.
Pursue own professional development.
Essential Criteria
Barrister or Solicitor-Advocate with a minimum of 5 years PQE, fully qualified to practise in England & Wales and with substantial criminal-law practice experience in the Higher Courts.
Established practitioner with significant solicitor following.
Advanced advocacy skills.
Ability to establish a rapport with criminal-defence clients.
Commitment to the goal of PDS to become an exemplar of best practice in criminal advocacy.
Flexibility and preparedness to travel if required.
Desirable Criteria
Experience as a pupil supervisor.#
Assessment approach
Application Process
You will be assessed on the essential criteria for the role via a CV and a Statement of Suitability.
Interview Process
If you are successful through the application stage, you will be invited to an interview via MS Teams. You will be assessed in relation to:
• Your qualifications and experience as a Higher Courts Advocate.
• The Strengths relevant to the role.
Information about Success Profiles, the recruitment framework used in the Civil Service can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles