Qualified Solicitor / Legal Executive - Criminal & Regulatory

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Chelmsford is seeking qualified Solicitors or Legal Executives specializing in Criminal and Regulatory Law. This permanent full-time position offers flexible hybrid working arrangements and a salary between £48,898 to £57,526 per annum. The role involves handling a diverse caseload and collaborating within a supportive legal team. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experience and strong client-facing skills.

Benefits

27 days of holiday plus bank holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Professional development support

Flexible work arrangements

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with a minimum of 2 years’ experience.
• Membership in the appropriate professional body is essential.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Handle a full caseload of criminal and enforcement matters.
• Manage Planning Enforcement Notices and Prosecutions.
• Work on Highways Enforcement Notices and Prosecutions.

Skills

Client-Facing Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Adaptability

Eagerness to Learn

Education

Qualified Solicitor or CILEX Professional

Minimum 2 years post-qualification experience

Job description

Qualified Solicitors / Legal Executives - Criminal and Regulatory Law

Permanent, Full Time

£48,898 to £57,526 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Anywhere worker

About the Role

Join Our Dynamic Legal Team at Essex County Council! Are you passionate about Criminal and Regulatory Law? Do you aspire to become an in-house Counsel? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We are currently recruiting a Lawyer to be part of a specialist Criminal and Enforcement law section within the Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Team.

Responsibilities

This position will involve handling a full caseload consisting of contentious and non-contentious criminal and enforcement matters including, but not limited to:

• Planning Enforcement Notices and Prosecutions
• Highways Enforcement Notices and Prosecutions
• Prosecutions on behalf of Essex Trading Standards

Why Essex County Council?

• Diverse and Impactful Work: We serve 1.5 million people, a £1.7 billion estate and tackle a wide range of interesting and complex legal challenges and projects.
• Supportive Team Environment: Join a brilliant team of lawyers who are dedicated to making a difference. New joiners rave about the interesting work and the support they receive.
• In-House Expertise: Most of our work is done in‑house, providing you with a rich and varied experience.

What We're Looking For

• Solicitors or CILEX Professionals: Specialising or wanting to specialise in Regulatory and Criminal Enforcement.
• Adaptable and Eager Learners: A qualified solicitor, barrister or Chartered Legal Executive ideally with a minimum of 2 years' post‑qualification (although less than 2 years' post qualification will also be considered) and a member of the appropriate professional body. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential.
• Client-Facing Skills: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively serve our community.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the freedom to work from home while still benefiting from in-person collaboration in our Chelmsford offices. This is a full time position however part time applications will also be considered.
• Generous Time Off: Start with 27 days of holiday, increasing with service, plus 8 bank holidays and up to 4 paid volunteer days each year.
• Secure Your Future: Enjoy peace of mind with enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Professional Growth: We cover professional fees for approved professions, supporting your career development.

About Essex Legal Service (ELS)

ELS is the in‑house legal service at Essex County Council, offering comprehensive legal advice on all public sector matters. Our work is diverse and engaging, and we invite you to join our dynamic team.

EEO & Equality Statement

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We are committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We also commit to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements for the role.

We value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. If you are required to undergo a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.

Contact & Further Information

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email [e-mail].