Deputy Principal Legal Officer

Deputy Principal Legal Officer

Pay Rate: £47,304 per annum
Location: Belfast - Laganside House
Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday to Friday
Contract: Temporary ongoing
Working Pattern: Full-time, 37 hours per week

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £47,304
• Flexitime available
• 37-hour working week
• Monday to Friday working pattern
• Opportunity to work within the Northern Ireland Civil Service
• Valuable experience within a specialist legal environment

Staffline Recruitment Ireland is currently recruiting for a Deputy Principal Legal Officer on behalf of the Department of Justice, Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS), Legacy Inquest Unit.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified solicitor or legal professional with up to 2 years' post-qualification experience to contribute to high-profile and sensitive legal work within the coronial system.

The Deputy Principal Legal Officer will support the Principal Legal Officer in progressing inquests to hearing and representing the interests of Coroners, particularly in relation to satellite litigation arising from challenges to coronial decisions.

This role offers exposure to complex legal matters, stakeholder engagement, and public sector legal processes in a dynamic and meaningful environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with inquest preparation, including drafting inquest materials, briefs to counsel, and witness bundles
• Review disclosure from multiple sources, identify key issues, and prepare draft summaries
• Prepare briefings and reports under the direction of the Principal Legal Officer
• Correspond with external stakeholders to ensure timely case progression in line with coronial directions
• Conduct legal research to support casework and decision-making
• Maintain case files in accordance with office policies and procedures
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders

Essential Criteria

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Qualified Solicitor (newly qualified or up to 2 years' post-qualification experience)
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess and interpret complex information and evidence
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage workload and meet deadlines
• Proactive, enthusiastic approach with a strong work ethic

Additional Information

To be shortlisted for this role all applicants MUST meet the essential criteria. Please note that these roles may be filled quickly but your CV will be kept on file for future similar roles. As there are so many applications, unsuccessful candidates may not be contacted.

Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Staffline regardless if you already have a valid certificate.

How to Apply

If you are interested and available for this position please upload your CV to the link or contact Hannah Fitzsimons for further information - [email protected]