Assistant Lawyer Litigation

Permanent Full Time 37 hours per week

Salary: 36581 - 40444
Market Supplement: 4000
Employer Pension contribution: 7243.04 - 8008.91

Total package value: 47824.04 - 52452.91

Work base: County Hall Exeter

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

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.

Are you a qualified legal professional looking to develop yourexpertisein litigation and planning law within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority

Devon County Council is seeking an Assistant Lawyer to join our Legal Services team with a particular focus on litigation and planning work spans a broad spectrum from criminal prosecutions to planningcommitteeadvising on highwaysissuesand resolving contractual disputes no two days are the same.

As an Assistant Lawyer you will provide legal advice andassistanceto the Council and its directorates with a strong emphasis oncivil and criminallitigation and planning work.

Working under the supervision and guidance of senior lawyers you will:

• Draft negotiate and settle pleadings applications orders and other relevant documents for litigation and planning matters.
• Providelegal advice to officers and departments on civil litigation planning law and related areas.
• Conduct litigation including drafting pleadings takingwitness statements attending mediations hearings and instructing counsel whenrequired.
• Assistwith negotiations liaising with counsel third-party solicitors and otherrepresentativesas necessary.
• Support senior team members on complex litigation cases and planning matters.
• Establish andmaintaineffective working relationships with clients and colleagues across the Council.
• Take part in the LegalServicesOut of Hours service asrequiredfor urgent matters.
  
  

We are seeking a qualified Solicitor Barrister with litigation rights or Chartered Legal Executive with litigation rights (CILEx) with postqualification experience in one or more of the above areas of law.

• Qualified solicitors barristerswith rights to conduct litigation or hold a CILEX professional qualificationwith litigation rights(or equivalent) andare registered with the relevant professional body.
• Experienced in legal work ideally with exposure to litigation and planning law.
• Excellent communicators both written and verbal with strongorganisationalandprioritisationskills.
• 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.

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.

At Devon County Councilyoullfind more than just a job youlldiscover a career with purpose.

We offer:

• Structured Development
  Comprehensive training and supervision to help you meet the SRA Practice Skills Standards and progress with confidence.
• Opportunities to Grow
  Buildexpertiseacross diverse areas of public sector law with clear pathways for professional development.
• A Council with Purpose
  Be part of anorganisationcommitted 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.

For an informal discussion about this role please contactHazel Union on or at

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet theessentialanddesirable criteriaasdescribed in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants please note:If you are an existing DCC employee please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Please click here to see the Job Description

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on ourEquality and Diversity webpages.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Councils use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working-The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working part-time condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with theApplicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visitour Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this Right to Work is required.For further guidance on right to work in the UK please visit:Work in the UK - ().
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.

Required Experience:

Junior IC