Location
London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week (hybrid working policy with an average of 40% office attendance)

Salary
£52,729 per annum

About the Role
As a Lawyer at the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), you will join a dynamic and inclusive Legal Services team working closely with senior clients across the organisation, including the Director General and General Counsel. The IOPC is an independent body dedicated to upholding public rights and investigating serious matters such as deaths following police contact, promoting learning and influencing change in policing.

The Legal Services team advises on a wide range of issues including investigations, casework, policy development, and represents the IOPC in legal proceedings such as judicial reviews, inquests, and police misconduct hearings. You will develop professional relationships with solicitors, police forces, misconduct panels, and other stakeholders, often working on high-profile and sensitive matters subject to intense media scrutiny.

The role offers the opportunity to contribute to improving the police complaints system in England and Wales within a supportive and inclusive environment that values diversity and flexible working.

What We Offer
27.5 days paid annual leave (increasing to 32.5 days with service)
Option to buy, sell, or carry over annual leave (subject to review)
Voluntary Health Cash Plan
Civil Service pension scheme
Civil Service maternity leave package
Employee assistance programme
Access to Civil Service Sports Council membership
Cycle to work scheme
Home and electronics purchase scheme
Car leasing scheme
Staff networks supporting protected characteristics including Welsh Network, Pride and LGBTQ+ Network, and others
Learning and development tailored to your role
Flexible working options
A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Additional Information
The role may involve occasional exposure to distressing material and contact with individuals in extreme distress. The IOPC provides wellbeing support including Trauma Risk Management, peer support, a dedicated Wellbeing Advisor, and confidential counselling. Staff are encouraged to engage with these provisions.

The IOPC welcomes applications from Welsh speakers and supports the use of Welsh as a language of choice.

Experience
- Qualified solicitor or barrister entitled to practice in England and Wales with a current practising certificate (or expecting to obtain one within 6 months of the closing date)
- Experience in at least one relevant area of law such as criminal law, police law, coronial law, professional disciplinary and regulatory law, public and administrative law, or human rights law
- Experience advising on complex issues and handling substantial, complex cases
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to quickly master new material
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to work constructively both independently and as part of a team

About You
- Approachable and constructive in your interactions
- Committed to upholding the IOPC’s core values and contributing to an inclusive workplace
- Willingness to engage with wellbeing support provisions given the nature of the work
- Supportive of diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications
- Qualified solicitor or barrister entitled to practice in England and Wales with a current practising certificate (or conditional offer based on obtaining certificate within 6 months)
- This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; a basic DBS check will be conducted prior to employment
- Ideally able to obtain Home Office Security Clearance (SC) once in role

Desirable
- Experience of litigation
- Knowledge of Freedom of Information, Data Protection, and GDPR matters
- Knowledge of complaints systems and handling