Litigation Lawyer

Connect2Surrey; Reigate; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Surrey County Council is seeking an experienced Litigation Lawyer to join our in-house legal team in Reigate. You will manage a varied non-insurance litigation caseload and provide practical, solutions-focused advice to colleagues across the organisation.

Flexibility is offered with hybrid and remote working, with occasional Court attendance when required. The role emphasises client service, collaboration and high-quality local government law.

Qualifications

• Significant experience handling a varied litigation caseload.
• Strong knowledge of civil litigation and dispute resolution.
• Experience of debt recovery, property disputes and commercial litigation matters.
• The ability to quickly understand and advise on unfamiliar areas of law when required.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong organisational abilities and effective case management skills.
• A proactive and flexible approach with the ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Advocacy experience, or a willingness to undertake advocacy as part of the role.

Responsibilities

• Managing a complex caseload of litigation matters from inception through to resolution.
• Handling debt recovery matters, particularly in relation to adult social care fees.
• Advising on property disputes and commercial litigation matters.
• Managing a variety of other contentious and civil litigation cases affecting the Council.
• Providing clear, pragmatic and solutions-focused legal advice to clients across the organisation.
• Drafting instructions and briefs to Counsel.
• Representing the Council through advocacy where appropriate, or working closely with external Counsel.
• Leading and contributing to client meetings and project discussions.
• Advising Members, senior officers and stakeholders on litigation matters.
• Managing competing priorities while ensuring statutory and client deadlines are met.
• Delivering exceptional client care and maintaining strong working relationships across the Council.

Job description

Litigation Lawyer

Surrey County Council

Hybrid / Remote Working Available

Reigate, Surrey | Occasional Court Attendance

Full Time (36 hours), or Minimum 28 Hours per Week

Competitive Hourly Rate

Join a Highly Regarded In-House Legal Team

Surrey County Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Litigation Lawyer to join our supportive and forward-thinking legal team.

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a diverse and complex litigation caseload while working within a collaborative environment that values professional development, teamwork and high-quality legal practice. You will play a key role in supporting the Council by providing practical, solutions-focused legal advice on a broad range of contentious matters that make a real impact across local government services.

The Role

As a Litigation Lawyer, you will have conduct of a varied and challenging caseload covering all non insurance related litigation and disputes involving the Council.

Your work will include:

• Managing a complex caseload of litigation matters from inception through to resolution
• Handling debt recovery matters, particularly in relation to adult social care fees
• Advising on property disputes and commercial litigation matters
• Managing a variety of other contentious and civil litigation cases affecting the Council
• Providing clear, pragmatic and solutions-focused legal advice to clients across the organisation
• Drafting instructions and briefs to Counsel
• Representing the Council through advocacy where appropriate, or working closely with external Counsel
• Leading and contributing to client meetings and project discussions
• Advising Members, senior officers and stakeholders on litigation matters
• Managing competing priorities while ensuring statutory and client deadlines are met
• Delivering exceptional client care and maintaining strong working relationships across the Council

About You

We are looking for an experienced Litigation Lawyer who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience handling a varied litigation caseload
• Strong knowledge of civil litigation and dispute resolution
• Experience of debt recovery, property disputes and commercial litigation matters
• The ability to quickly understand and advise on unfamiliar areas of law when required
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills
• Strong organisational abilities and effective case management skills
• A proactive and flexible approach with the ability to work independently and use initiative
• Advocacy experience, or a willingness to undertake advocacy as part of the role
• Experience working within local government would be advantageous but is not essential

Working Arrangements

We offer flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

The successful candidate will be required to collect their laptop from Woodhatch Place, Reigate on their first day. Fully remote working will be considered. However, occasional attendance at Council offices and Court hearings is preferred to support effective service delivery and team collaboration.

Why Join Surrey County Council?

• Varied and intellectually stimulating caseload
• Flexible working options, including remote working opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Opportunity to work on high-profile and complex local government matters
• Career-enhancing experience within a large and respected local authority
• Meaningful work that supports residents and services across Surrey

Connect2Surrey

Connect2Surrey is a trading style of Surrey & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Surrey County Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd.

It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.