Principle Legal Officer

Principal Legal Officer

Pay Rate: £32.05 per hour
Location: Belfast - DoF, DSO Litigation Division 1, Lanyon Plaza
Hours: 37 hours per week

Benefits

• Hybrid working pattern available
• Flexitime arrangements
• 37-hour working week
• Monday to Friday working pattern
• Opportunity to work within the Departmental Solicitor's Office
• Exposure to high-profile litigation and public sector legal work
• Belfast city centre location

Staffline Recruitment Ireland is currently recruiting for a Principal Legal Officer on behalf of the Department of Finance, DSO Litigation Division 1.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced solicitor or barrister to work on a varied and complex caseload within the public sector.

The successful candidate will join DSO Litigation Division Team 4, which represents Northern Ireland Departments in a broad range of litigation matters including Judicial Review, employer's liability, personal injury, insolvency proceedings, and appellate work.

The role offers hands-on involvement in litigation before the High Court, County Court, Judicial Review Court, Court of Appeal, Bankruptcy Master, and Chancery Court, while supporting key public sector clients including the Department of Education, Department of Justice, and the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and representation to client departments including the Department of Education, Department of Justice, and Health and Safety Executive NI
• Conduct litigation in the High Court, County Court, Judicial Review Court, and Court of Appeal
• Provide advice and representation in insolvency proceedings before the Bankruptcy Master and Chancery Court
• Work collaboratively with clients and Counsel to draft pleadings, affidavits, and exhibit bundles
• Attend client consultations and provide advocacy support as required
• Deliver a high-quality litigation service in line with Service Level Agreement requirements
• Support the work of the Assistant Director as part of an agile and responsive legal team

Essential Criteria

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

• Qualified solicitor or barrister at substantive Principal Legal Officer or Deputy Principal Legal Officer level employed in a permanent legal post within the Northern Ireland Civil Service
• Minimum of 3 years' post-qualification experience
• Minimum of 3 years' professional experience delivering litigation services to clients

Desirable Criteria

• Experience conducting insolvency proceedings

Additional Information

• Applicants must meet the essential criteria to be shortlisted
• Successful candidates will be required to complete CTC and therefore must have resided within the UK for 3 years or more.

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]