Senior Litigation Lawyer

Thanet District Council; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is looking for an experienced litigation lawyer to join its dynamic legal team. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in either criminal or civil litigation and possess strong team management skills. Responsibilities include prosecution in various legal areas and representing the council in court. Enjoy living in a historic seaside environment within reach of London. The role emphasizes innovation and quality service delivery. Competitive compensation and a supportive work environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Significant experience of handling a case load of civil and criminal litigation.
• Experience in management or supervision of junior staff is desirable.
• Commitment to keep up to date with developments in the area of law.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute unlawful eviction (both civil and prosecution).
• Advise on licensing and prosecution for breach.
• Conduct cases in all courts and tribunals.

Skills

Experience in criminal or civil litigation

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to manage and motivate a team

Knowledge of relevant law

Job description

Thanet is looking for an experienced litigation lawyer to join its busy and dynamic litigation team. This is an exciting opportunity to join a positive and diverse legal team.

We are looking for a candidate who is motivated, interested, positive, enthusiastic and has significant experience of either criminal or civil litigation. Handling a case load of civil litigation, regulatory and criminal litigation. Some experience of management or supervision of more junior staff is also desirable. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills and have the ability to effectively manage and motivate a team. You will have a good knowledge of at least one area of relevant law and a commitment to keep up to date with all new developments in this area. You must be adaptable, flexible and able to prioritise tasks on a daily basis.

Duties (non exhaustive)

• Prosecution under s16(2) of the LA (Mis) act
• Unlawful eviction (both civil and prosecution)
• JR and Injunctions
• Prosecution of scrap metal without a licence
• Prosecution for fly tipping/EPA matters
• Advising on Licensing and prosecution for breach (attending Tribunal if in person)
• Prosecution for Planning breaches
• Attending court hearing to advocate
• Attending the office once a week

Responsible for conduct of cases in all courts, tribunal, etc, providing legal expertise on the council's behalf in cases in Civil and Criminal Courts and Tribunal

Thanet is a great place to live and work... Our historic seaside towns of Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs and surrounding villages are rich in heritage and opportunity. With 19 miles of stunning coastline, our beautiful Blue Flag beaches, the internationally renowned Turner Contemporary, and the UK’s only Royal Harbour are all just a short train ride from central London thanks to the high-speed rail link. Our proximity to the port of Dover and the Eurotunnel at Folkestone mean Europe is literally on our doorstep too.

All of this, combined with a flexible approach to how we work makes it an exciting time to join Thanet District Council. We have set our sights high. We want our residents to enjoy the highest quality services. We want to ensure that by listening to local people, working in active partnership and doing things in an innovative way, we can accelerate improvement to meet the challenges ahead.

For more information about this post please contact Yetunde Olaniyi - Principal Litigation Lawyer at [e-mail] or Ingrid Brown - Head of Legal and Democracy and Monitoring Officer [e-mail]

Interview to take place on 17/18th January 2026