Lawyer - Litigation

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

31 days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Hybrid working policy

Job summary

Devon County Council’s Legal Services team is recruiting a lawyer specialising in litigation to provide expert civil and criminal litigation advice and support across the Council and its directorates. The role covers a broad spectrum from criminal prosecutions to planning issues and contractual disputes.

You will draft pleadings, advise officers, conduct litigation, and negotiate with counsel and third parties, while developing innovative solutions and maintaining strong client relationships

Qualifications

• 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate, and settle pleadings, applications, orders, and other relevant documents for litigation and planning matters.
• Provide expert legal advice to officers and departments on civil litigation, criminal litigation, planning law, and related areas.
• Conduct litigation including drafting pleadings, taking witness statements, attending mediations, hearings, and instructing counsel when required.
• Undertake negotiations, liaise with counsel, third-party solicitors, and other representatives as necessary.
• Support senior team members on complex litigation 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.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Case management systems

Communication skills

Prioritisation

Time management

Education

Qualified Solicitor / Barrister / CILEx with litigation rights

Tools

Case management systems

Time recording software

Job description

Permanent | Full Time 37 hours per week

Salary range: £46,579 - £50,908

Market Supplement: £5,000

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

Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates out of area.

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

As a Lawyer specialising in litigation, you will provide expert legal advice and assistance to the Council and its directorates, with a strong emphasis on civil and criminal litigation and local government legal work. Your work will span a broad spectrum, from criminal prosecutions to advising on highways issues and resolving contractual disputes – no two days are the same.

You will:

• Draft, negotiate, and settle pleadings, applications, orders, and other relevant documents for litigation and planning matters.
• Provide expert legal advice to officers and departments on civil litigation, criminal litigation, planning law, and related areas.
• Conduct litigation including drafting pleadings, taking witness statements, attending mediations, hearings, and instructing counsel when required.
• Undertake negotiations, liaise with counsel, third-party solicitors, and other representatives as necessary.
• Support senior team members on complex litigation 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 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 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.

Why Devon?

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

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.

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.