Senior Lawyer - Litigation

Milton Keynes City Council; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Milton Keynes is seeking a Senior Lawyer (Litigation) to join their in-house legal team. In this role, you will manage civil and criminal litigation cases, providing high-level legal support. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in local government law and litigation, a proactive approach, and relevant legal qualifications. Opportunities for hybrid working arrangements may be available.

Benefits

28 days annual leave increasing to 32 days

Excellent pension scheme

Family friendly policies

Employee benefits programme

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Discounts with Blue Light Card

Qualifications

• Significant experience in local government law.
• Extensive experience in litigation, particularly in housing matters and general civil litigation.
• A proactive, solution-focused approach and commitment to public service.

Responsibilities

• Defend the Council in civil matters including Housing Disrepair claims and Judicial Reviews.
• Represent the Council in court including Magistrates' and County Courts.
• Manage a varied caseload of civil and criminal litigation.

Skills

Litigation

Local government law

Communication

Negotiation

Analytical abilities

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales

Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives

Job description

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Job Introduction

We have a great opportunity for a Senior Lawyer (Litigation) to join as a key member of our growing and collaborative in-house legal team.

As Senior Lawyer, you'll be one of the Council's legal experts in criminal and civil legal work, ranging from prosecutions in the Magistrates Court to issuing and defending civil claims in the County Court. You will take lead on many of the Council's day to day and complex litigation matters.

You’ll also be responsible for providing high quality and targeted advice across a range of practice areas and will assist in the training and supervision of paralegals and junior lawyers. You'll work closely with internal departments, external counsel, and stakeholders to ensure the Council's legal interests are robustly protected and advanced.

The ideal candidate will have relevant experience working in a local government setting and be no stranger to advocacy.

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality legal support across a diverse range of civil and criminal matters, helping shape the future of our community through fair and effective legal practice.

This role may be suitable for home working, following an assessment. Home-based roles require a minimum of one day in the office/site per week.

Interviews for this role will be held /c 8 December 2025.

Milton Keynes City Council is a modern and friendly place to work. Find out more about working with us here: www.mkcounciljobs.org.uk

Main Responsibility

• Defend the Council in civil matters including but not limited to, Housing Disrepair claims, Homelessness Appeals and Judicial Review matters with assistance from the Principal lawyer.
• Represent the Council in court and tribunals, including Magistrates' and County Courts.
• Manage a varied caseload of civil and criminal litigation, including housing, environmental enforcement, regulatory prosecutions, housing disrepair and debt recovery.
• Assist with licensing and regulatory matters as may be required.
• Assist in the training and supervision of Paralegals and Junior Lawyers.
• Provide strategic legal advice to senior officers and elected members.

The Ideal Candidate

• A qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales or a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives or an equivalent qualification or experience.
• Significant experience in local government law.
• A proactive, solution-focused approach and commitment to public service.
• Extensive experience in litigation, particularly in housing matters and general civil litigation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical abilities.

Package Description

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Excellent pension - everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
• A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
• Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme - low-cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles.
• Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Why join us? Along with more on our Benefits, discover why Working at the City Council could be the right move for you here Working at the Council | Milton Keynes.

Our roles are either designated 'site based' or 'home based'. 'Site based' roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst 'home based' roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.

About The Organisation

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.

We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.

We're very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.

We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it's time for a new role.

If you'd like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.