Senior Criminal Lawyer – Litigation, Prosecution & Inquest

About the role

As a Senior Lawyer in the Criminal Litigation team at CQC you will provide expert legal advice and lead prosecutions and inquest cases that affect people using health and care services. The role combines high‑impact advocacy with strategic risk‑management across the regulator’s work.

Key responsibilities

• Lead legal advice and manage litigation, including criminal prosecutions and inquests.
• Develop and implement legal strategies with senior leaders to mitigate risk.
• Supervise and coach a team of lawyers and legal executives, ensuring consistent, high‑quality advice.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to embed legal considerations into regulatory decisions.
• Represent CQC in court and coronial settings, presenting complex cases.

Required profile

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive in England and Wales.
• Minimum 5 years of post‑qualification experience handling complex caseloads.
• Proven advocacy and litigation experience in criminal courts or coronial proceedings.
• Experience leading or supporting colleagues in investigations, prosecutions or public law.

Required skills

What we offer

• Grade A salary – £55,172 (National) or £61,028 (London) per annum.
• Annual recruitment and retention allowance of £2,500.
• Homeworking allowance of £600 for full‑time remote workers.
• Flexible working – hybrid model with two days remote per week.
• Permanent contract, 37‑hour week with compressed‑hours option.