Solicitor (Civil Litigation Unit) Grade K) (Legal Services Branch (Ref: 115)
Greater Manchester Police is one of the largest police forces in the UK and is responsible for keeping its diverse population of almost three million people safe.
Greater Manchester is a vibrant region in the Northwest, spread over more than 1,200 sq km. Split over 10 metropolitan districts, it is billed as the most diverse city in Europe, whose residents draw on and contribute to its rich cultural legacy and collectively speak up to 200 different languages.
Recently awarded the ‘most improved force in the country’ after its latest police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy (PEEL) inspection in 2023, Greater Manchester Police remains committed to doing the basics of policing brilliantly, protecting the public, supporting victims and ensuring its workforce reflects the communities it serves.
GMP recognises that having a diverse workforce makes it more approachable and relevant to the public, and so we welcome applications from everyone.
Legal Services provides a critical support service for officers and staff at all levels in GMP. The Branch is made up of circa 50 legally qualified and non-qualified staff split across six units, including four dedicated legal units that specialise in Operational Policing, Civil Litigation, Employment and Misconduct, and Public and Regulatory.
Members of our teams provide legal advice across the above areas and are key partners in ensuring GMP re-establishes itself as a leading police force who fight and reduce crime, keeps people safe and cares for victims.
Our legal work is interesting, fast-paced and rewarding with no two days being the same. You can expect to be challenged and have the highest level of career fulfilment here, because you can and will make a difference. Every single member of the team understands their role in contributing to the provision of our service, and the business benefits it brings.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within GMP’s Legal Services Branch.
If you are hard-working, motivated and adaptable; want to take a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work as part of a friendly and supportive team and can demonstrate the attributes and behaviours that GMP expects of its police staff and officers, we welcome your application.
We are looking for an experienced defendant solicitor to handle a caseload of litigated public liability, employer’s liability and motor claims against the Chief Constable and to provide Force-wide advice in order to minimise exposure to risk.
You will be a confident and effective communicator with a strong understanding of civil procedure and police-related legislation and will be capable of handling high-value and complex litigation, acting always in the best interests of the Chief Constable and demonstrating awareness of the wider impact of your decision-making.
*The salary attracts an additional £5000 market supplement (which is subject to review every three years, or sooner if market conditions change)
This post is politically restricted under the provisions of the Local Government and Housing Act, 1989. Your post is defined as 'politically restricted' and you must not, therefore, engage in political activities. Further information about such activities can be found in the Politically Restricted Posts Policy available on the Greater Manchester Police intranet site.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo security vetting.
Benefits:
• As well as offering the chance of a rewarding career, there are other benefits to working for GMP.
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 24 days, plus bank holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years, and 32 after 10 years of service.
• A competitive salary
• Annual pay rise
• Generous Pension
• Maternity/paternity leave
• Healthcare and wellbeing support
• Opportunity to join GMP’s Sports and Social Club which offers a range of sporting activities
• Emergency services blue light card discount
• Cycle Scheme
• Car Lease Scheme - Fleet Solutions offer the leading salary sacrifice lease car scheme for the NHS and other public sector organisations please paste this link into your browser for further details
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