Lawyer / Senior Lawyer - Litigation

Dorset Council; Dorchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Dorchester seeks a Litigation Lawyer to join a busy team. This role involves providing legal advice, managing a mixed caseload, and representing the Council in various legal matters. The ideal candidate should have experience in litigation and a strong commitment to professional development. The position offers flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment to grow your legal career.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Experienced in handling litigation matters.
• Confidence in giving clear written and verbal legal advice.
• Skilled at managing a varied caseload.
• Motivated to continue professional development.
• For senior applicants, confident in court advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, practical legal advice.
• Represent the Council in civil and criminal matters.
• Work closely with internal and external clients.
• Contribute to team discussions.
• Support colleagues with their cases.

Skills

Litigation experience

Clear legal advice

Case management

Court advocacy

Collaboration

Job description

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About the role

You’ll join our busy and forward‑looking Litigation team, working on a broad mix of civil and criminal matters that support services across the Council, including housing, planning and environmental protection.

You’ll provide clear, practical legal advice and representation on areas such as enforcement actions, regulatory prosecutions, injunctions, possession proceedings and debt recovery. Senior Lawyers will handle more complex cases, represent the Council in Magistrates and County Courts, and offer support and occasional supervision to colleagues.

Across both levels, you’ll work closely with internal and external clients, contribute to team discussions, and develop your skills through regular 1:1s, training and collaborative working.

What’s in it for you

You’ll be part of a supportive, unified team built on respect, integrity and professional expertise. This is a modern and inclusive organisation where you’ll be trusted with interesting work from the outset, encouraged to develop your specialist skills and supported to grow your legal career.

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements will help you maintain a healthy work‑life balance, and you’ll have ongoing access to training, development opportunities and regular conversations with your manager.

About you

• Experienced in handling litigation matters, with confidence in giving clear written and verbal legal advice
• Skilled at managing a varied caseload and able to adapt to changing priorities
• Collaborative and solution‑focused, with a supportive approach to team working
• Motivated to continue your professional development and expand your legal expertise
• For senior applicants, confident in court advocacy and able to represent clients effectively at Magistrates and County Courts

Further Information

For an informal conversation please contact Sue Turner, 01305 224183 <email protected>

This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. See our policy on the employment of ex‑offenders.

This post is politically restricted.

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

About Us

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• Provide essential services that support over 380,000 residents
• Work in partnership to make a real difference
• Value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• Support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• Be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• Have access to a range of benefits and support
• Have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible. If you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.

Find out more about how to apply.