The Public Defender Service

The Public Defender Service (PDS) is a department of the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) that operates alongside private providers delivering a full range of quality, value for money services within the criminal defence market.

Informed by its participation in the market, PDS contributes credible and expert advice to the government on service and policy development affecting the sector and acts as a test-bed for innovation and quality improvements.

PDS operations provide a critical safeguard against market failure across England and Wales, thereby ensuring the LAA fulfils its statutory responsibility to ensure continuous access to justice.

Job Summary

Provision of advice, assistance and representation to individuals subject to investigation or prosecution of a criminal offence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide a high volume of advice, assistance and representation to individuals subject to the investigation or prosecution of a criminal offence,

• Conduct criminal cases before courts at all levels throughout England and Wales to the highest professional standards.

• Act as sole Advocate or be led as Junior Advocate in relation to a range of Higher Court cases and Judicial Reviews (i.e. cases/applications before the Crown Court, High Court, Court of Appeal or Supreme Court) including complex, serious and sensitive cases, where fast-paced, legally-sound decision-making and advocacy are required.

• Utilise a high level of up-to-date knowledge of criminal law and procedure, including in relation to complex, serious and sensitive cases, and procedure in the higher courts.

• Upon reviewing prosecution evidence and receiving instructions from clients, conduct analysis and decide on case management strategies, including defence tactics, procurement of defence evidence - including expert witnesses - and the provision of plea and defence advice to defendants.

• Provide leadership in tactic and case planning as part of a defence litigation team.

• Decide upon the merits of appealing convictions and sentences and provide advice and representation to clients on appeals and judicial reviews in the Court of Appeal and the High Court.

• Be an effective team member who supports colleagues,

• Contribute personally to the continuous improvement of PDS service and the development of PDS as a great place to work,

• Participation in office out of hours rota, including duty/own client work and court cover

• Provide expert input to various projects within the Agency and wider Government.

Essential Criteria:

• Solicitor Advocate or Barrister fully qualified to practice in England and Wales with excellent practical knowledge of criminal law, evidence and procedure.

• Effective communication skills and personal presence that enables rapport-building with criminal defence clients, a broad range of external stakeholders and with own team members and colleagues, with the ability to challenge police and other prosecution authorities in a manner that is effective, professional and in the best interests of the client.

• Excellent advocacy skills and experience in preparing a range of cases to trial in both the Magistrates and Crown Courts.

• Commitment to the wider aims of the PDS to become an exemplar of best practice in criminal litigation and advocacy.

• Sound IT skills (particularly Microsoft Office), and the willingness to self-create the majority of own documentation.

• Ability and willingness to work flexibly including where appropriate during unsociable hours

• Possession of a full driving licence and access to a motor vehicle, together with flexibility and preparedness to travel to cover cases and attend training across England and Wales if required.

Assessment approach

If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact pds.businessteam@justice.gov.uk