Lawyer (Litigation)

Devon County Council; United States; Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured Development

Comprehensive training and supervision

Opportunities to Grow

Build expertise across diverse areas

Job summary

Devon County Council’s Legal Services is seeking a solicitor to specialise in litigation, providing expert advice across civil and criminal matters, planning law, and local government work. The role involves drafting pleadings, advising officers, and conducting hearings while delivering practical, timely solutions.

Based at County Hall, Exeter, the role supports hybrid working with some remote options. You will join a team dedicated to public service, professional development, and collaborative

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister with rights to conduct litigation, or CILEx with litigation rights, registered with the relevant body.
• Experience in legal work with exposure to litigation and planning law.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with strong organisational skills.
• Skilled in using Microsoft Office and case management systems, with effective time recording.
• Able to manage a caseload, meet deadlines, and develop creative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate, and settle pleadings, applications, orders, and other documents for litigation and planning matters.
• Provide expert legal advice to officers and departments on civil and criminal litigation and planning law.
• Conduct litigation, including drafting pleadings, taking witness statements, mediations, hearings, and instructing counsel.
• Undertake negotiations and liaise with counsel and third-party solicitors.
• Support senior team members on complex litigation and planning matters.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with clients and colleagues across the Council.

Skills

Litigation experience

Planning law exposure

Legal drafting

Negotiation

Time management

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister or CILEx with litigation rights

Tools

Microsoft Office

Case management systems

Job description

As a Lawyer specialising in litigation, you will provide expert legal advice and assistance to the Council and its directorates, with a strong emphasis on civil and criminal litigation and local government legal work. Your work will span a broad spectrum, from criminal prosecutions to advising on highways issues and resolving contractual disputes - no two days are the same.

• 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.

Qualifications and experience

• 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.

Successful candidates will receive 31 days' annual leave (pro-rata). Additional leave purchase options and flexible working arrangements are also available.

Benefits

• Structured Development
• Comprehensive training and supervision to help you meet the SRA Practice Skills Standards and progress with confidence.
• Opportunities to Grow
• Build expertise across diverse areas of public sector law, with clear pathways for professional development.

We are building the next chapter of Legal Services in Devon, and we would like you to be part of it. Following a recent restructure, designed to strengthen the service for the future, a number of our colleagues have successfully progressed into new roles. Their progression has created opportunities across our newly structured service, and we are now looking for talented people to join us. With opportunities at different stages of a legal career, this is a great time to join, develop and make your mark in Devon.

At Devon County Council, you'll find more than just a job - you'll discover a career with purpose.

This role is based in County Hall, Exeter. Our Agile Working policy supports hybrid working, subject to business needs. Therefore, a degree of remote working is permitted albeit there is an expectation that the post-holder will work in County Hall as and when required by the department.

A Council with Purpose: Be part of an organisation committed to creating a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon, guided by our Strategic Plan priorities.

Inclusive and Collaborative Culture: Work in a team that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration, where your contribution truly matters.

Impact That Counts: Make a real difference to communities across Devon through meaningful legal work that shapes lives and services.