Police Lawyer (Operational)
Location: Based across Evolve Legal Services hubs in Peterlee, Durham HQ, Middlesbrough and Northallerton, with agile and home working options available. Frequent court attendance will be required.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part time: approximately 33.5 hours per week (working pattern to be agreed)
Salary: SO1-PO12 (pro rata), £37,020 - £54,696 (pro rata)
Closing Date: 9am 9th October 2026
Role Profile: Police Lawyer.pdf
The Opportunity
Are you an advocate or lawyer looking for a unique opportunity to work at the heart of operational policing?
Evolve Legal Services is seeking an enthusiastic and capable Operational Lawyer to provide expert legal advice and advocacy on a wide range of policing matters. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment where your legal advice directly supports operational decision-making and public safety.
As a Police Lawyer (Operational), you will be responsible for advising on operational policing law and representing the interests of the Chief Constable and partner organisations in a range of legal proceedings.
Role responsibilities:
- Advising on operational policing powers and Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) matters.
- Conducting advocacy in relation to civil preventative orders and other court applications.
- Advising on public protection matters and statutory policing powers.
- Providing legal support regarding anti-social behaviour interventions.
- Advising on firearms licensing and licensing matters.
- Supporting work relating to Proceeds of Crime legislation.
- Advising on contracts and property matters where required.
- Managing a varied and challenging caseload.
- Representing the organisation before courts, tribunals and other forums.
- Supporting and developing colleagues within the team.
This position has a strong advocacy focus, making it an excellent opportunity for lawyers seeking to further develop their court-based experience.
What we are looking for:
We are looking for qualified legal professionals who are passionate about public service and enjoy working in a dynamic environment.
- A qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEx entitled to practise in England and Wales.
- Experienced in advocacy and legal case management.
- Able to provide practical, risk-based legal advice in a fast-paced environment.
- Confident communicating with senior officers, organisational leaders and external stakeholders.
- Able to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
- Comfortable managing competing priorities and working to deadlines.
Candidates with experience of advocacy in civil orders, particularly within the Magistrates' Court, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Experience within operational policing law, regulatory law, public law or other relevant litigation environments will be advantageous.
Why Join Us?
Working for the emergency services is both meaningful and impactful. At North Yorkshire Police & North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, we’re committed to helping colleagues reach their full potential in a fair, inclusive, and supportive environment. We value diverse perspectives and actively promote staff wellbeing so everyone can thrive. Please visit our websites to learn more about our organisation.
We’re also proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, work-life balance, and professional growth:
- Local Government Pension Scheme – secure and competitive retirement planning
- Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme – access to affordable vehicle leasing options
- Generous Annual Leave – 24 days rising to 30 with length of service, plus bank holidays
- Health Cash Plan
- Blue Light Discount – enjoy savings at major retailers and services
- Flexi-Time for Staff Roles – tailor your working hours to suit your lifestyle while meeting team objectives
- Access to Trade Union Membership – opportunity to join UNISON
- Inclusion & Diversity Networks – connect with colleagues and contribute to a culture of belonging
- Health & Wellbeing Services – access to resources that support your physical and mental health
To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- You must have the right to work in the UK, with no restrictions on your employment
- Hold a full UK manual driving licence
- Internal applicants must have successfully completed their probation period
- Meet residency requirements for vetting:
o MV Level Vetting – minimum 5 years UK residency
Your Application
North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service are equal opportunity employers. Both organisations are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please declare this within your online application. A member of our team will contact you prior to your interview to ensure appropriate support is in place.
While AI can support you with structure, spelling and grammar, your application must still reflect your own genuine skills, experience and achievements, as our selection process checks for authenticity. It’s acceptable to use AI to help with clarity, research, interview preparation and structuring your real‑life examples, provided the information is accurate; however, it must not be used to exaggerate your abilities or generate false or AI‑written responses.
Safer Recruitment
North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding is a core part of our recruitment process, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All successful candidates will undergo a thorough recruitment process and must obtain satisfactory pre-employment clearances before commencing employment, including satisfactory Vetting or DBS checks, references, and a medical assessment, including absence history. Adherence to our safeguarding policies and procedures is essential.
Ready to Apply?
As part of our selection process, we’ll assess your skills and experience against the requirements of the role. We therefore encourage you to take your time to tailor your application, ensuring your responses align with the job advert and role profile.
We look forward to receiving your online application.
