Legal Team Leader - Contentious

North West Leicestershire; Whitwick; Hybrid; GBP 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Whitwick seeks a solicitor to lead a Legal Services team. Responsibilities include managing a civil and housing litigation caseload, court representation, and supporting junior staff. Ideal candidates will have 2-3 years of PQE and a problem-solving mindset. This role offers development opportunities for candidates ready to step into management.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Leicestershire Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual leave of 25 days, increasing with service

Car allowance of £4,140 annually

UK healthcare package

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or equivalent experience is required.
• Minimum of 2-3 years PQE in civil or housing litigation.
• Proactive, confident, and problem-solving approach.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of civil and housing litigation.
• Represent the Council in court approximately twice a month.
• Supervise and support junior colleagues.

Skills

Problem-solving

Team management

Civil litigation expertise

Housing litigation expertise

Education

Qualified solicitor, barrister or FILEX

2-3 years' PQE in civil or housing litigation

Job description

Overview

You\'ll supervise and support two junior colleagues, take ownership of complex matters, and help shape the direction of the Legal Services team. The role will involve a mix of hands-on casework, team management and working closely with other Team Leaders to ensure the legal department is working effectively. North West Leicestershire District Council is looking for a confident and capable solicitor to lead a small, talented team and manage a varied contentious caseload. This is a great opportunity for a litigator who enjoys problem-solving and is ready to take a step into management.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of civil litigation, housing litigation and licensing matters
• Represent the Council in court (typically twice a month)
• Work closely with colleagues to manage caseloads and improve practice
• Build confidence in new areas of law, supported by external expertise where needed

Qualifications

• A qualified solicitor, barrister or FILEX (or equivalent experience)
• At least 2-3 years\' PQE in civil litigation or housing litigation
• A proactive, problem-solving approach and confidence handling new challenges
• The ability to supervise and support others, even in areas you\'re still learning yourself

Note

You don\'t need previous management experience — this is a development opportunity for someone ready to step up.

Benefits

• Salary: up to £46,784 to £51,679 (including 12% market supplement)
• Allowances: £4,140 per annum car allowance
• Total annual earnings: up to £55,819
• Working Hours: 36.25 hours per week with agile working hours scheme
• Pension: Access to the Leicestershire Local Government Pension Scheme
• Annual Leave: 25 days, rising to 29 with five years\' service, plus 8 bank holidays and one concessionary day
• Hybrid working: No rigid office mandate — attend when needed for meetings, committees or court
• Additional Benefits: UK healthcare package (includes optical, dental, physiotherapy), Employee Assistance Programme, Free on-site parking, Salary sacrifice schemes, including AVC Pension via MyMoneyMatters, additional Holiday purchase and Cycle to Work