Litigation Lawyer

DescriptionJob Title:Litigation LawyerSalary:per annumGrade:GContract Type:PermanentWorking Hours:37 hours per weekAbout the departmentThis is an exciting opportunity with growth in abundance at Thurrock it is the perfect time to develop and progress in this vibrant and dynamic team.We are looking for someone with a passion for prosecution law a proactive mindset and a desire to grow professionally in a supportive and experienced environment.We welcome applications from candidates at all stages of their legal career provided they demonstrate strong legal aptitude excellent communication skills and a commitment to public service.About the RoleAs aLitigation Lawyer you willbe responsible for:Legal Advice and Case Management. Provide legal advice and support on a wide range of issues varying in complexity but not limited to:Provide legal advice on prosecutions under:Education Act 1996Environmental Protection Act 1990; littering fly tipping and statutory nuisanceConsumer Rights Act 2015 (Trading Standards)Licencing Act 2003Planning LawFood safety and underage sales offencesFraud Act Social Housing FraudDisabled blue badge prosecutionsOther local authority prosecutionsAdvice on litigation includingDebt Recovery (e.g. Adult Social Care fees under the Care Act 2014)Judicial Review proceedingsMaintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation case law and best practice.2. Advocacy and Representation. You will be expected to:Provide legal advice on prosecutions under:Education Act 1996;Environmental Protection Act 1990; littering fly tipping and statutory nuisanceConsumer Rights Act 2015 (Trading Standards)Licensing Act 2003Planning lawFood safety and underage sales offencesFraud Act Social Housing FraudDisabled blue badge prosecutionsOther local authority prosecutionsAdvise on civil litigation including:Debt recovery (e.g. Adult Social Care fees under the Care Act 2014)Judicial Review proceedingsMaintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation case law and best practice.Provide advice to councillors stakeholders and senior officers and to liaise with external bodies and legal advisersTo attend decision making meetings including Committee Meetings remotely or in person if required.Undertake advocacy on contentious planning and highway matters draft documents and review Cabinet and Planning Committee Reports.Contribute to the improvement of the Legal Services TeamSupport junior members of the team including the Legal Apprentice in Legal practice and procedure contributing towards their professional development.3. Contribute to governance processes ensuring legal compliance and sound decision-making. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation case law and best practice. To carry out research and provide legal advice to Client Departments on all related legal transactions.4. Engage with senior officers and Members to offer high-quality legal services with a focus on social justice. Collaborate closely with directorates to ensure efficient delivery of Council priorities. Become a trusted advisor advocate and problem solver as you contribute to Thurrocks vision of client focused and innovative service delivery.5. Personally manage a caseload and be able to work unsupervised. To preparenegotiate draft agree and process legal documents. To record all key actions and ensure data is regularly updated. To collate and send or check supporting legal and financial documents. To seek to always protect the Councils interests while taking precautions against potential fraud and money laundering. To review and update as appropriate all templates and procedures.6. To notify and advise on any instructions or events that would result in a breach by the Council or an individual of any legislation common law standing order or rule or propriety or would constitute a course of action amounting to maladministration.7. To attend and participate in meetings with Officers of the Council and to provide legal advice when required.8. To be willing and able to work in a flexible and agile way with regards to both hours and location of work including remote and home working as required subject to service needs and requirements. Two days minimum attendance in the officeWhatWereLooking ForWerelooking for someone who has:Essential:Excellent demonstrable knowledge of the ability to lead on complex and high-profile local government prosecutions cases when which may include Health and Safety at work Trading Standards Environmental Protection Act Fraud Act and more.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills able to explain complex legal issues clearly and confidently. Ability to work collaboratively and build partnerships with experienced clients and colleagues. High emotional intelligence (EQ) with the ability to build positive working relationships and navigate sensitive issues professionally.Excellent organisational skills able to manage a complex and varied workload with a flexible and innovative approach to work ensuring that deadlines and court directed deadlines are adhered to.You will be an effective leader acting as an ambassador for legal services across the council sharing good practice and encouraging innovation amongst colleagues to include training/mentoring junior members of the team. Attend and advise in Committee Meetings.Proactive and self-motivated with a growth mindset and a willingness to learn. Ability to work on own initiative and with minimal supervision to undertake research and be able to make accurate considered judgements and decisions.Ability to assist on the implementation of best value quality initiatives and improvements to client care.Ability to relate the Councils key policy objectives to the provision of the legal service.Qualified Solicitor/Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal ExecutivesAdvocacy skills.Good general level of understanding of IT systems especially case management/time recording packages.Excellent numeracy and literacy skills.Understanding of Local Government structures and legal frameworks.Understanding of Law Society practice management standardsExperience as a paralegal within a legal services team in a Local Authority or law firmExperience of working towards achieving/monitoring quality initiativesExperience in a performance management cultureTo behave in accordance with our valuesCommitment to the principles of agile working including the ability to work flexibly with regards to both hours of work and location of work including remote and home working as required with 2 days in the officeUnderstanding of and commitment to principles of equality and diversity and compliance with Thurrock Council policiesEssential qualifications:Qualified Solicitor/Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal ExecutivesDBS Check:StandardBenefits of Working with UsAt Thurrock Council we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package including:Generous annual leave entitlementLocal Government Pension SchemeFlexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)Ongoing training and professional developmentEmployeeassistanceprogramme and wellbeing supportStaff discounts and local offersA supportive and inclusive working environmentImportant DatesClosing Date (Redeployment Only):22nd September 2025Closing Date (Internal & External):5th October 2025Interview Date: 16th October 2025Additional InformationIf you have any questions about the role or interview process please contact:Godwin Mangse - Principal Lawyer Litigation Team ( )To view the Job Profile and Person Specification please follow the link below:Download Job Profile (PDF Document) Key Skills Clerical,Aerospace Engineering,Catering,Computer Software,Factory Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Yearly Salary Salary: 53460 - 61638