Legal Adviser

Hampshire Shared Services Partnership; Winchester; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

25–28 days annual leave

12 days flexi-leave

Travel loans and discounts

Employee Support Services

Family friendly policies

Job summary

Hampshire County Council is recruiting a Solicitor, Barrister or FILEX to join the General Litigation Team on a permanent basis. You will handle debt recovery matters, provide clear legal advice, and develop pre-action strategies to recover debts to support the Council's objectives.

You will work mostly remotely after induction, with one day per week in Winchester and court appearances as required. The role demands strong legal judgement, resilience, and effective client communication.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or FILEX with current practising certificate for England & Wales.
• Sound legal skills and judgement; pragmatic, client-focused approach.
• Ability to work independently and in a team with strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Caseload of debt recoveries; provide clear legal advice to clients.
• Conduct pre-action correspondence and issue civil claims to recover debts.
• Work largely remotely with weekly in-person Winchester presence and court attendance when required.

Job description

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC625273

Salary Range: £41,985 - £46,565 per annum, plus Market Supplement of £1,500 per annum

Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)

Hours per week: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 4 November 2026

Interview Date: 11 November and 17 November 2026

Join our friendly and supportive Lexcel accredited legal service, passionate about delivering the best for Hampshire and making a real difference to the community.

The Role:

Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. Our large Legal Service supports all Hampshire County Council Directorates and a wide range of other public service organisations. Working on matters that are as challenging as they are rewarding.

We are looking a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or FILEX with a current practising certificate for England & Wales to work in our General Litigation Team.

What you’ll do:

You will have a caseload of debt recoveries. You will work both individually and as a key member of a team providing clear legal advice, conducting pre-action correspondence, and issuing civil claims to recover debts to protect the interests and further the objectives of the County Council.

You will be mostly working remotely following induction, with a requirement to be in Winchester one day per week, and to attend court when required.

What we’re looking for:

You will be successful in the role if you are able to demonstrate sound legal skills and judgement; a pragmatic solution focused approach; strong client relationship and communication skills; an ability to work on your own initiative and within a strong team with a collaborative approach; resilience and motivation; and an ability to prioritise effectively to meet strict deadlines.

Why join us?

Hampshire County Council can offer you an improved work-life balance through flexible working and our excellent benefits package including:

• Access to Local Government Pension Scheme (employer contributions starting at 16.1% of your salary)
• Between 25 - 28 days annual leave entitlement (dependant on Local Authority service)
• An additional 12 days flexi-leave, dependent on operational requirements
• Interest free travel loans and discounts
• Employee Support Services
• Family friendly policies

Additional Information:

Legal Adviser Candidate Pack

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Andrew Hatch, Team Leader (General Litigation) on 03707 795841

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.