Higher Courts Advocate

Salary 1
- £54,358 - £61,585

Number of jobs available 1
- 2

Detail of reserve list 1
- 12 Months

Region 1
- North East

City/Town 1
- Darlington

Building/Site 1
- LAA Stephenson House, FLR 3, DL1 4WB

Grade 1
- Grade 7

Organisation Grade for MoJ 1
- Grade 7

Post Type 1
- Permanent

Working Pattern 1
- Full Time

Role Type 1
- Legal Services

Job description 1

**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 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.

**Job Summary**

**Key responsibilities**
- Conduct criminal cases before courts at all levels throughout England and Wales to the highest professional standards.
- 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**
- Your qualifications and experience as a Higher Courts Advocate.
- The Strengths relevant to the role.

**Complaints procedure**

If you are dissatisfied with our response, we will forward your complaint to the Civil Service Commission, an independent body, for review.

**Mandatory Eligibility Requirements**

**Professional memberships**
Admission to the Bar with a valid practising certificate or admission to the Roll of Solicitors with higher rights of audience.

Additional Information 1

**Working Arrangements & Further Information**

**Flexible working hours**

**Benefits**

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
**Annual Leave**

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

**Pension**

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

**Training**

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

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