Public Sector Litigation Lawyer — Hybrid Role in Devon

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

31 days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Hybrid working policy

Job summary

Devon County Council’s Legal Services team is recruiting a lawyer specialising in litigation to provide expert civil and criminal litigation advice and support across the Council and its directorates. The role covers a broad spectrum from criminal prosecutions to planning issues and contractual disputes.

You will draft pleadings, advise officers, conduct litigation, and negotiate with counsel and third parties, while developing innovative solutions and maintaining strong client relationships

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitors, barristers with rights to conduct litigation, or hold a CILEX professional qualification with litigation rights (or equivalent), and are registered with the relevant professional body.
• Experienced in legal work with exposure to litigation and planning law.
• Excellent communicators, both written and verbal, with strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Competent in using Microsoft Office and case management systems, including effective time recording.
• Able to manage their own caseload, work to deadlines, and develop creative solutions quickly.
• Committed to equality, professionalism, and the values of Devon County Council.

Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate, and settle pleadings, applications, orders, and other relevant documents for litigation and planning matters.
• Provide expert legal advice to officers and departments on civil litigation, criminal litigation, planning law, and related areas.
• Conduct litigation including drafting pleadings, taking witness statements, attending mediations, hearings, and instructing counsel when required.
• Undertake negotiations, liaise with counsel, third-party solicitors, and other representatives as necessary.
• Support senior team members on complex litigation and planning matters.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues across the Council.
• Take part in the Legal Services’ Out of Hours service as required for urgent matters.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Case management systems

Communication skills

Prioritisation

Time management

Education

Qualified Solicitor / Barrister / CILEx with litigation rights

Tools

Case management systems

Time recording software

Job description

Devon County Council’s Legal Services team is recruiting a lawyer specialising in litigation to provide expert civil and criminal litigation advice and support across the Council and its directorates. The role covers a broad spectrum from criminal prosecutions to planning issues and contractual disputes.

You will draft pleadings, advise officers, conduct litigation, and negotiate with counsel and third parties, while developing innovative solutions and maintaining strong client relationships