Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.
Pupillage Vacancy Information
About Authorised Education and Training Organisation
The Public Defender Service (PDS) is a department of the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) that operates alongside private providers delivering a full range of high quality, value for money services within the criminal defence market.
As a result of its participation in the criminal justice system, the PDS contributes credible and expert advice to the government on service and policy development which affects 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.
Structure of Pupillage
Successful candidates will be required to complete their Circuitor Inn advocacy training course and the Bar Standards Board professional ethics course. At the end of the period of work-based pupillage you must be for signed off as having the knowledge, skills and attributes a barrister needs.
Key Responsibilities:
During the first six months (Non-Practicing Period) you will be required to:
- Carry out research for your pupil supervisor and other members of the Team.
- Undertake written work for your pupil supervisor and other members of the Team.
- Attend conferences and consultations with your pupil supervisor and other members of the Team.
- Undertake written work as instructed by providers or on behalf of your pupil supervisor and other members of the Team.
- Assisting and supporting your pupil supervisor and other members of the Team in the preparation of cases for court or tribunals.
- Accompanying your pupil supervisor and other members of the Team to courts, tribunals or conferences to gain experience by observing and assisting them.
During the second six months (Practicing Period) you will be required to:
- Meet providers and clients and conduct cases before courts and tribunals.
- Research the law and cases.
- Read witness statements, reports and all case papers.
- Offer legal advice and give opinions as required.
- Negotiate and conduct discussions out of court.
- Prepare legal arguments and documents for court hearings.
- Question witnesses and make submissions to judges and juries.
- Report back to providers orally and in writing the results of case and any issues that might need to be addressed.
Financial and Other Support Available
This is a 12-month fixed-term contract with a salary range £27,223 - £28,613 (National) and £31,169 - £32,760 (London). New entrants to the Civil Service will be expected to join the minimum of the pay range.
Benefits include:
Competitive Civil Service pension scheme.
Generous Annual Leave (25 days, rising to 30 days after 5 years of service), plus bank holidays.
Travel costs when required to work outside from usual work/home base.
Training costs.
Access to employee savings including high street retailer offers and discounts.
3 days paid leave for volunteering.
Wellbeing support and counselling.
Occupational health support.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and we positively promote flexible working.
We will consider all applications on merit regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, religion, ethnicity, preferred working pattern and, except for exceptional circumstances, your working location.
As a Disability Confident organisation, we will offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for this role. Under the Equality Act 2010 a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.
Please indicate on your application if any reasonable adjustments are required, and the recruiting manager will be in touch to make the necessary arrangements.
How to Apply
Aspiring barristers are invited to apply for this role between 5 January 2024 and 7 February 2024 via the Civil Service Jobs service on GOV.UK. The link for applications will be available on the Public Defender Service website on 5 January 2024.
We are unable to consider applications submitted on the Pupillage Gateway.
Recruitment will follow the Success Profiles Framework https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles
Attached documents
