Senior Lawyer (Litigation) - 37 Hours

Torbay Council; Torquay; Hybrid; GBP 53,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading local authority as a Senior Lawyer (Litigation) in Torbay. This role involves managing a varied caseload of civil litigation, providing legal advice, and supporting community agendas. The position offers a hybrid working approach and values work-life balance. Ideal for a qualified professional with at least 3 years PQE, eager to contribute to the transformation of local services.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years PQE in civil litigation.
• Experience in public sector legal work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of general litigation matters.
• Provide legal advice to council departments.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Legal Advice

Education

Solicitor

Barrister

Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives

Job description

Application Deadline: 9 June 2025

Department: Corporate Services

Location: Torbay Council

Compensation: £53,718 - £56,710 / year

Description

The salary includes an amount for a market supplement of £8,000 per year. This market supplement is reviewed annually.

Job Description & Person Specification

Torbay is breathtaking, captivating, and welcoming, occupying a prime position on the south coast of Devon. Currently experiencing unprecedented levels of investment and the Council’s own ambitious transformation programme have given Torbay the opportunity to capitalise on the area’s profile and many assets.

As a small unitary authority, you’ll discover Torbay is a place where you can make things happen quickly. We have real momentum building, fueled by a shared sense of purpose and ambition - which is evident by our success in being awarded the ‘Most Improved Council’ at the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2023. We want Torbay and its residents to thrive and are committed to making a difference in our community, delivering high-quality services to local people.

To complement this journey, we are now seeking a Senior Lawyer (Litigation) to join our Legal Services Team. You will have experience in a broad range of civil litigation and the ability to manage a diverse caseload of general litigation matters, including personal injury, and provide associated advice to council departments. Ideally, you will also have a solid understanding of, or previous exposure to, public sector legal work.

This varied role provides a platform to be actively involved, supporting key agendas pertinent to the success and prosperity of Torbay, its residents, businesses, and wider communities. No two days will be the same, for which those already working within local government will attest to and actively thrive upon.

Undertaking the role of a Senior Lawyer, you will be a suitably qualified professional with at least 3 years PQE; excited by a fast-paced and varied caseload, conscientious, professionally curious, and a role model to other team members. In return, you will join a supportive and rewarding organisation and team, whereby your talent will be valued and actively developed. At Torbay Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from our people, and we are excited for you to join us.

We also understand the importance of an effective work-life balance, therefore offer an enviable hybrid working approach. This is managed effectively around the need to attend essential meetings and/or make court appearances in line with the remit of the role.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer that is in a great period of change and sees legal services as not simply a support function, but an enabler in the pursuit of the highest standards and outcomes for its residents.

We would welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates.

This post requires a Standard Criminal Level Check. This will show details of all spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions that have not been filtered in line with legislation.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
https://www.torbay.gov.uk/council/jobs/job-descriptions/senior-lawyer-litigation/

For an informal chat please contact Samantha Goodwin on 01803 207164 or [e-mail].

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 16th June 2025.

Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills

• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage a full and substantial workload.
• Ability to give clear and accurate legal advice.

As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Knowledge

• An expert level of knowledge of the law and procedure within the specialist discipline.
• A detailed knowledge of the law applicable to Local Government.

Experience & Qualifications

• Admitted and practicing Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (or equivalent), with at least 3 years post qualification experience.