Criminal Justice Lawyer

JUSTICE is looking for an outstanding criminal lawyer, for a full-time fixed term 12-month contract, with the possibility of renewal, subject to funding. This provides an exciting opportunity for a practising lawyer with a strong research background or academic lawyers keen to engage in high-level policy and law reform work.

We are looking for a lawyer mainly interested in criminal justice, as well as in cross-cutting issues affecting the functioning of the justice system (current cross-cutting projects include work on the state of the rule of law in the UK and AI, human rights, and the law).

JUSTICE is at the forefront of work promoting access to a fair criminal justice system for all. The successful candidate will be building on our recent work on racial injustice in the youth criminal justice system and post-conviction decision making, including the parole system and administrative decision-making in prisons, as well as our cross-cutting workstream on the state of the rule of law in the UK. They will also be scoping and setting up a new criminal justice project relating to fraud.

We would like to recruit a bright, motivated person who is passionate about criminal justice system reform, and the promotion of access to justice and fair trial. The successful candidate must be able to work independently and as part of a team. With excellent interpersonal skills, they will be able to work closely with JUSTICE members, who include senior figures in the legal profession. The post holder will work with our Interim Legal Director to further develop our criminal justice work stream and assist on system-wide proposals for change. This role is focused primarily on England and Wales, though it will touch on UK wide issues and the Scottish criminal justice system from time-to-time.

The JUSTICE team are currently working in a hybrid manner. Staff members have access to office space in London, however, attendance is currently optional. Our staff enjoy flexible working conditions, 27 days annual leave, plus the week between Christmas and the New Year, 8% employer pension contribution and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

The application form and candidate packare below. The candidate pack includes more information about this role including the person specification, the organisation and more details on how to apply. 

The deadline for applications is 11pm Sunday 12 May 2024. Please mark your email with ‘CRIMINAL JUSTICE LAWYER’ in the subject line.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 21 May 2024. Candidates may be required to complete a test as part of the interview process.

JUSTICE is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, but particularly welcome applications from individuals from marginalised groups, those with lived experience of the justice system, as well as those underrepresented in the legal professional including women, people of colour, trans and non-binary people, and disabled people.

Please note that we will not respond to any enquiries from recruitment agencies.