Lawyer - Civil Litigation

Barnsley Council; Barnsley; Hybrid; GBP 39,152 - 50,269; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local government pension

Hybrid working

Flexible hours

Discretionary leave

Salary sacrifice scheme

Job summary

Barnsley Council is inviting applications for a Litigation Lawyer (Core Services). The role is permanent with a salary of £39,152–£50,269 and a hybrid pattern: 60% office presence and flexible working, Monday to Friday, 37 hours.

You will handle general civil litigation, support regulatory and environmental prosecutions, review files, advocate in court, and collaborate with Safer Communities and Public Health teams. Applications encouraged from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Experience in civil or criminal law.
• Proactive attitude and enthusiasm for the role.
• Will develop and grow into wider litigation practice areas.
• Welcomed from candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Handle general civil litigation matters, including civil claims, ASB possessions, rent arrears, injunctions, access for electrical inspections, warrant applications and closure orders.
• Cross‑cutting work with the Litigation team dealing with regulatory and environmental prosecutions and licensing matters.
• Reviewing case files, evaluating evidence, analysing witness statements and drafting court applications, orders and other related documentation.
• Attending court and tribunal proceedings, conducting advocacy including contested hearings and instructing and briefing counsel where required.
• Working closely with internal colleagues such as Safer Communities, Public Health and Communities teams to provide advice, support and training.
• Liaising with external agencies and partners as required, including Berneslai Homes under our Service Level Agreement.

Skills

Civil or criminal law experience

Proactive attitude

Willingness to develop

Job description

Litigation Lawyer (Core Services)

Salary: £39,152 - £50,269 (Career Graded)

Working Arrangements: Monday to Friday, Agile Working with expectation of 60% office attendance (3 days per week)

Hours: 37 per week

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Ongoing

Checks: Requires a Basic Criminal Record Check.

Background Check Note: Applicants may need to provide a reasonable account of any significant periods (6 months or more in the past 3 years) of time living abroad.

Key Responsibilities

• Handling general civil litigation matters, including civil claims, ASB possessions, rent arrears, injunctions, access for electrical inspections, warrant applications and closure orders.
• Cross‑cutting work with the Litigation team dealing with regulatory and environmental prosecutions and licensing matters.
• Reviewing case files, evaluating evidence, analysing witness statements and drafting court applications, orders and other related documentation.
• Attending court and tribunal proceedings, conducting advocacy including contested hearings and instructing and briefing counsel where required.
• Working closely with internal colleagues such as Safer Communities, Public Health and Communities teams to provide advice, support and training.
• Liaising with external agencies and partners as required, including Berneslai Homes under our Service Level Agreement.

Qualifications

• Experience in civil or criminal law.
• Proactive attitude and enthusiasm for the role.
• Willingness to self‑develop, grow into wider litigation practice areas and enhance advocacy skills.
• Welcomed from candidates with diverse backgrounds; Barnsley Council does not discriminate and accepts applicants with past convictions.

Benefits

• Legal assistant support.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Competitive salary.
• Local government pension scheme, including option to contribute to an Additional Voluntary Contribution Scheme.
• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Flexi time, up to 5 banked flexi days per year.
• Generous annual leave allowance, increasing with length of service and an additional 5 discretionary leave days for Christmas shutdown.
• Salary sacrifice scheme for extra annual leave, cycle to work, home electronics and childcare vouchers.
• Discounts on car parking, rail travel, eating out, leisure attractions and gym memberships.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Barnsley Council is an inclusive employer that welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with past convictions. We are committed to fairness and do not discriminate. We encourage interested candidates to apply.