Whether working in the CSSO or on secondment in a client Department, Office or Agency, the State Solicitor (Fixed Term) is a diverse legal role. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their legal knowledge and expertise and also their experience in terms of team working, client relations, planning and prioritising work and project management aptitude. Candidates should possess a sound knowledge of general law and practice.

The CSSO aim to attract individuals with a strong public service ethos who show commitment, energy, sound judgment and an ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines when needed. It is also important that State Solicitors (Fixed Term) can successfully build new relationships, both internally with colleagues across the CSSO and externally with their central Government clients. The particular duties will vary depending on the Section to which an officer is assigned.

State Solicitors (Fixed Term) may be called on from time to time to assist in priority areas including the CSSO’s response to emerging issues that arise such as extradition requests, European co-operation requests, judicial review litigation, immigration & asylum litigation or urgent transactional work, etc. The State Solicitor (Fixed Term) will be fully involved in all aspects of office life and participate in their Section’s team meetings and Division Away Days where legal, professional and soft skills are enhanced.

Principal responsibilities

The following is a general overview of the possible range of tasks of a State Solicitor (fixed term):

• Litigating on behalf of the State as both plaintiff/applicant and defendant/respondent;
• Handling property and conveyancing transactions;
• Handling quasi-criminal work such as extradition and European Arrest Warrants;
• Advising on and drafting commercial contracts and public procurement documents;
• Supporting client Departments before Tribunals of Inquiry, Commissions of Investigation and statutory inquiries;
• Keeping legal files and records;
• Applying office procedures and legal protocols;

Applying and developing knowledge and experience of practice in the areas of:

• Administrative law, Constitutional law and European law;
• Litigation involving Public Bodies;
• Immigration and Asylum law;
• Commercial law;
• Contract negotiation and drafting;
• Property law and conveyancing;
• Employment law.

See the Information Booklet for a full description of the role and responsibilities of this post and the eligibility criteria.