Principal Legal Officer (DSO Litigation 2)

Principal Legal Officer

Location: Lanyon Plaza, Belfast
Pay: £61,673 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday
Contract: Temporary ongoing
Hours: 37 per week

Staffline Recruitment Ireland is currently recruiting a Principal Legal Officer on behalf of the Departmental Solicitor's Office (DSO), Litigation Division, Department of Finance, based at Lanyon Plaza, Belfast.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal professional to provide specialist litigation advice and representation to government departments, primarily the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), across a broad range of complex legal matters.

The Role

The successful candidate will join DSO Litigation Team 2, which is responsible for representing DAERA and other Northern Ireland Departments in judicial reviews, commercial litigation, procurement challenges, personal injury actions, and costs proceedings.

Working as part of a collaborative legal team, you will provide legal advice and representation before a range of courts and tribunals while supporting the delivery of high-quality legal services to departmental clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and representation to client departments, particularly DAERA
• Conduct litigation in the High Court, County Court, Commercial Court, Judicial Review Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court
• Work collaboratively with clients and Counsel to draft pleadings and legal documentation
• Compile affidavits and exhibit bundles
• Attend client consultations and meetings
• Undertake advocacy where 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
• Provide practical legal solutions to complex litigation matters

Essential Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister
• Have a minimum of three years' post-qualification experience (PQE)
• Possess a working knowledge of:
  • Personal Injury litigation in the High Court and County Court
  • Judicial Review litigation
  • Commercial litigation
• Demonstrate strong legal analysis and litigation skills
• Be capable of managing competing priorities and working effectively within a busy legal environment

Additional Information

• Hybrid working arrangements available
• Flexi working arrangements may be available
• Security Clearance: CTC required

Working Pattern

• Monday to Thursday: 9:00am - 5:25pm
• Friday: 9:00am - 5:20pm

How to Apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your CV through the relevant application process or contact [email protected]

Please note that applicants must meet the essential criteria to be considered for shortlisting. Successful candidates will be required to undergo the appropriate security clearance process.