Litigation Lawyer

Thurrock Council; Grays; Hybrid; GBP 53,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

An English local authority in Grays is seeking a Litigation Lawyer to provide legal support on various issues, including local government prosecutions. The role offers opportunities for flexible working and ongoing professional development. Candidates should have a legal qualification and demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills. This is a full-time position with a competitive salary range.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible and hybrid working opportunities

Ongoing training and professional development

Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support

Staff discounts and local offers

Qualifications

• Strong legal aptitude with a proactive mindset.
• Ability to explain complex legal issues clearly.
• Experience in high-profile local government prosecutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support on various issues.
• Attend decision-making meetings to provide legal advice.
• Manage a caseload and ensure legal compliance.

Skills

Prosecution law

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Leadership and mentoring

Research abilities

Understanding of Local Government structures

Advocacy skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor / Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives

Tools

Case management systems

Job description

Description

Job Title: Litigation Lawyer

Salary: per annum

Grade: G

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 37 hours per week

About the department

This is an exciting opportunity with growth in abundance at Thurrock it is the perfect time to develop and progress in this vibrant and dynamic team.

We are looking for someone with a passion for prosecution law a proactive mindset and a desire to grow professionally in a supportive and experienced environment.

We welcome applications from candidates at all stages of their legal career provided they demonstrate strong legal aptitude excellent communication skills and a commitment to public service.

About the Role

1. Legal Advice and Case Management

• Provide legal advice and support on a wide range of issues varying in complexity but not limited to: education
• Education Act 1996
• Environmental Protection Act 1990 (littering, fly tipping and statutory nuisance)
• Consumer Rights Act 2015 (Trading Standards)
• Licensing Act 2003
• Planning Law
• Food safety and underage sales offences
• Fraud Act (Social Housing Fraud)
• Disabled blue badge prosecutions
• Other local authority prosecutions
• Advice on litigation including: debt recovery (e.g. Adult Social Care fees under the Care Act 2014)
• Judicial Review proceedings
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, case law and best practice.

2. Advocacy and Representation

• Provide legal advice on prosecutions under: Education Act 1996;
• Environmental Protection Act 1990 (littering, fly tipping and statutory nuisance)
• Consumer Rights Act 2015 (Trading Standards)
• Licensing Act 2003
• Planning law
• Food safety and underage sales offences
• Fraud Act (Social Housing Fraud)
• Disabled blue badge prosecutions
• Other local authority prosecutions
• Advise on civil litigation including: debt recovery (e.g. Adult Social Care fees under the Care Act 2014)
• Judicial Review proceedings
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, case law and best practice.
• Provide advice to councillors, stakeholders and senior officers and liaise with external bodies and legal advisers.
• Attend decision‑making meetings including Committee Meetings remotely or in person if required.
• Undertake advocacy on contentious planning and highway matters, draft documents and review Cabinet and Planning Committee Reports.
• Contribute to the improvement of the Legal Services Team.
• Support junior members of the team including the Legal Apprentice.

3. Governance and Legal Compliance

Ensure legal compliance and sound decision‑making. Carry out research and provide legal advice to Client Departments on all related legal transactions.

4. Engagement and Service Delivery

Engage with senior officers and Members to offer high‑quality legal services with a focus on social justice. Collaborate closely with directorates to ensure efficient delivery of Council priorities. Become a trusted advisor, advocate and problem‑solver as you contribute to Thurrock's vision of client‑focused and innovative service delivery.

5. Caseload Management

Personally manage a caseload, work unsupervised, prepare, negotiate, draft, agree and process legal documents. Record all key actions, keep data updated, collate and send or check supporting legal and financial documents. Protect the Council's interests while preventing fraud and money‑laundering. Review and update templates and procedures as appropriate.

6. Breach Notification

Notify and advise on any instructions or events that would result in a breach by the Council or an individual of any legislation, common law, standing order or rule, or constitute maladministration.

7. Meeting Participation

Attend and participate in meetings with Officers of the Council and provide legal advice when required.

8. Flexible Working

Work flexibly in hours and location, including remote and home working as required. Minimum two days attendance in the office.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Excellent demonstrable knowledge to lead on complex and high‑profile local government prosecutions cases, including Health & Safety at Work, Trading Standards, Environmental Protection Act, Fraud Act, and more.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to explain complex legal issues clearly and confidently; build partnerships with clients and colleagues; high EQ.
• Excellent organisational skills to manage a complex workload with a flexible, innovative approach ensuring deadlines and court‑directed deadlines are adhered to.
• Effective leader, ambassador for legal services across the council, sharing best practice and encouraging innovation, training and mentoring junior members, attending and advising in Committee Meetings.
• Proactive, self‑motivated growth mindset; work independently, undertake research and make accurate, considered judgments.
• Assist on implementation of best‑value quality initiatives and improvements to client care.
• Relate Council's key policy objectives to the provision of the legal service.
• Qualified Solicitor / Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.
• Advocacy skills.
• Good general level of understanding of IT systems, especially case management / time‑recording packages.
• Excellent numeracy and literacy skills.
• Understanding of Local Government structures and legal frameworks.
• Understanding of Law Society practice management standards.
• Experience as a paralegal within a legal services team in a Local Authority or law firm.
• Experience of working towards achieving / monitoring quality initiatives.
• Experience in a performance‑management culture.
• Behave in accordance with our values.
• Commitment to agile working, flexible hours and location, including 2 days in office.
• Understanding of and commitment to principles of equality and diversity and compliance with Thurrock Council policies.

Essential Qualifications

Qualified Solicitor / Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.

DBS Check

Standard

Benefits of Working with Us

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment.

Important Dates

• Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 22nd September 2025
• Closing Date (Internal & External): 5th October 2025
• Interview Date: 16th October 2025

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process please contact:

Godwin Mangse – Principal Lawyer Litigation Team ( )

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

Key Skills

Clerical, Aerospace Engineering, Catering, Computer Software, Factory

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1

Yearly Salary: 53460 - 61638