Legal Counsel (Enforcement Team) - Based in Leeds

Legal Counsel  (Enforcement Team)

About DFT Operator

Join Our Team at DFTO 

DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. 

DFTO has over 30,000 employees, runs over 8,500 services a day and delivers over 640 million customer journeys across its networks every year. 7,000 people joined the railway family in the last year

Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeastern, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c, Greater Anglia, WM Trains and GTR.

We work closely with the DfT but operate independently with our own governance and leadership teams. Our priority is ensuring efficient, dependable rail services for everyone.

Primary Purpose of Job:

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape something new.

DFTO is setting up a new Enforcement Team, an industry first, which will be responsible for all prosecution activity across the DFTO Group. This is a significant change in strategic approach, and as DFTO’s Enforcement Legal Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in helping to deliver DFTO enforcement strategy and policy, and supporting our leadership team to provide  confident, informed decision-making.

Specifically you will manage a varied caseload of criminal litigation matters across DFTO and TOCs that impact the rail network. Such matters could include fraud, theft, fare evasion, disorderly conduct, trespassing and property damage and vandalism (“Railway Offences”).

You will provide high quality legal advice, preparing cases, and representing the organisation in court, ensuring compliance and successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and manage criminal cases, including fraud, theft, fare evasion, and public order offences, applying thorough evidence review and accurate documentation, so that cases progress efficiently and achieve successful outcomes.
• Represent DFTO and TOCs in court proceedings relating to Railway Offences, delivering clear, persuasive advocacy and adhering to procedural requirements, so that cases are presented professionally, and the organisation’s interests are protected.
• Provide clear and timely legal advice to assigned leadership groups, building relationships with stakeholders translating complex legal issues into practical guidance, so that decisions are informed, compliant, and risk is minimised.
• Review and determine whether cases should be prosecuted or resolved by settlement and draft any associated correspondence, where appropriate, applying sound judgment and commercial awareness, so that risks are managed, and cost-effective outcomes are achieved.
• Maintain appropriate legal competency and knowledge, including by staying up to date with changes to legislation, particularly in relation to laws, rules and regulations that directly affect the business and the rail industry.
• Liaise with industry stakeholders and third parties, including law enforcement and external counsel (where appropriate), on investigations and prosecutions, maintaining open communication and timely updates, so that cases progress smoothly, and collaboration is effective.
• Work collaboratively with case managers and other legal professionals on continuous improvement initiatives, sharing knowledge and coordinating efforts, so that case preparation is consistent, robust, and aligned with best practice.
• Prepare and draft discussion papers to the functional leadership team, as well as broader business areas, to broaden awareness of legal risk and inform joined up decision making with relevant stakeholders.
• Provide regular information and reports of work in progress to the General Counsel (Enforcement) and Senior Legal Counsel (Enforcement) as required.
• Contribute to the development and implement of policies and procedures for criminal enforcement, contributing practical insights from case experience, so frameworks and processes remain effectives.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications:

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with the authority to conduct litigation, admitted to practice in England & Wales, with proven experience of working for a reputable law firm/chambers/in house organisation.
• Experience in criminal litigation, including case preparation and advocacy.
• Proven ability to manage a varied caseload, including complex matters such as fraud, theft, fare evasion, and public order offences.
• Strong legal analytical skills and ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical advice and influence at a senior management level.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise competing demands and deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure.
• Collaborative team player with a professional and proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to research effectively using platforms such as PLC/Lexis Nexis or other trusted sources.
• Background in rail, other transport, or other regulated industries is desirable but not essential.

Vacancy Details:

Duration: Permanent
Location: Hybrid/ London Waterloo/Leeds
Salary: up to £73,368
Closing date: 17th June 2026 

DFTO Benefits:

Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)

DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution

Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry  

Additional Information…

Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities. 

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.

Contact: If you have any questions or require any reasonable adjustments, please contact jason.blakemore@dftoperator.co.uk

Please do not email any CV's to us, your application must be made by clicking the 'Apply' button.