Assistant Lawyer - Litigation

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£4,000 Market Supplement

31 days annual leave (pro‑rata)

Flexible working arrangements

Hybrid working

Job summary

Devon County Council is seeking an Assistant Lawyer specialising in litigation and planning matters to join the Legal Services team in Exeter. The role covers civil and criminal litigation, as well as planning issues, with supervision from senior lawyers.

The post is permanent and full-time (37 hours/week), based at County Hall with hybrid and flexible working options. A competitive salary of £36,581–£40,444 plus a £4,000 market supplement is on offer, with 31 days’ annual leave (pro-rata) and

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with rights to conduct litigation, or CILEX with litigation rights.
• Experience in litigation and planning law is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication, and ability to manage deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate, and settle pleadings, applications, orders, and other documents for litigation and planning matters.
• Provide legal advice on civil litigation and planning law to officers and departments.
• Conduct litigation tasks: pleadings, statements, mediations, hearings, and instructing counsel as needed.
• Assist with negotiations and liaise with counsel, third-party solicitors, and other representatives.
• Support senior team members on complex cases and planning matters.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Case management

Time management

Education

Solicitor with rights to conduct litigation

Barrister with rights to conduct litigation

CILEX with litigation rights

Tools

Legal research databases

Job description

Assistant Lawyer - Litigation

Permanent

Full Time 37 hours per week

Salary: £36,581 - £40,444

Market Supplement: £4,000

Employer Pension contribution: - package value: - base: County Hall, Exeter

Successful candidates will receive 31 days’ annual leave (pro-rata) Additional leave purchase options and flexible working arrangements are also available.

We are building the next chapter of Legal Services in Devon, and we would like you to be part of it. Following a recent restructure, designed to strengthen the service for the future, a number of our colleagues have successfully progressed into new roles. Their progression has created opportunities across our newly structured service and we are now looking for talented people to join us. With opportunities at different stages of a legal career, this is a great time to join, develop and make your mark in Devon.

About the Role

Are you a qualified legal professional looking to develop your expertise in litigation and planning law within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority?

Devon County Council is seeking an Assistant Lawyer to join our Legal Services team, with a particular focus on litigation and planning matters. Our work spans a broad spectrum, from criminal prosecutions to planning committee, advising on highways issues and resolving contractual disputes – no two days are the same.

As an Assistant Lawyer, you will provide legal advice and assistance to the Council and its directorates, with a strong emphasis on civil and criminal litigation and planning work. Working under the supervision and guidance of senior lawyers, you will:

• Draft, negotiate, and settle pleadings, applications, orders, and other relevant documents for litigation and planning matters.
• Provide legal advice to officers and departments on civil litigation, planning law, and related areas.
• Conduct litigation including drafting pleadings, taking witness statements, attending mediations, hearings, and instructing counsel when required.
• Assist with negotiations, liaising with counsel, third-party solicitors, and other representatives as necessary.
• Support senior team members on complex litigation cases and planning matters.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues across the Council.
• Take part in the Legal Services’ Out of Hours service as required for urgent matters.

About You

We are seeking a qualified Solicitor, Barrister with litigation rights, or Chartered Legal Executive with litigation rights (CILEx) with post‑qualification experience in one or more of the above areas of law.

• Qualified solicitors, barristers with rights to conduct litigation, or hold a CILEX professional qualification with litigation rights (or equivalent) and are registered with the relevant professional body.
• Experienced in legal work, ideally with exposure to litigation and planning law.
• Excellent communicators, both written and verbal, with strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Competent in using Microsoft Office and case management systems, including effective time recording.
• Able to manage their own caseload, work to deadlines, and develop creative solutions quickly.
• Committed to equality, professionalism, and the values of Devon County Council.

This role is based in County Hall, Exeter. Our Agile Working policy supports hybrid working, subject to business needs. Therefore, a degree of remote working is permitted albeit there is an expectation that the post-holder will work in County Hall as and when required by the department.

Why Devon?

At Devon County Council, you’ll find more than just a job – you’ll discover a career with purpose.

We offer:

• Structured Development
  Comprehensive training and supervision to help you meet the SRA Practice Skills Standards and progress with confidence.
• Opportunities to Grow
  Build expertise across diverse areas of public sector law, with clear pathways for professional development.
• A Council with Purpose
  Be part of an organisation committed to creating a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon, guided by our Strategic Plan priorities.
• Inclusive and Collaborative Culture
  Work in a team that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration, where your contribution truly matters.
• Impact That Counts
  Make a real difference to communities across Devon through meaningful legal work that shapes lives and services.