General Litigation Lawyer

To provide high-quality legal advice and representation across a broad range of general civil litigation matters on behalf of the Council. The role involves managing a varied and often complex caseload supporting Council departments with legal advice and ensuring the effective conduct of litigation in accordance with relevant legislation policies and procedures.

• Manage a varied caseload of general litigation matters from inception through to resolution.
  
• Advise Council departments and stakeholders on a broad range of civil litigation issues.
  
• Conduct litigation relating to landlord and tenant disputes (commercial and residential) debt recovery contract disputes injunctions enforcement matters and disputes arising under the Electronic Communications Code.
  
• Prepare legal documents pleadings witness statements court applications and settlement agreements.
  
• Represent the Council in courts tribunals and other hearings including undertaking advocacy where appropriate.
  
• Provide clear practical and commercially focused legal advice to clients and stakeholders.
  
• Ensure effective file management and compliance with court deadlines procedural requirements and service standards.
  
• Monitor developments in legislation case law and policy and apply them effectively to client matters.
  
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal departments external legal professionals courts and other stakeholders.
  
• Contribute to the effective delivery of legal services and support the Councils wider objectives.
  

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate (where applicable).
  
• Significant post-qualification experience in general civil litigation.
  
• Strong knowledge of landlord and tenant law debt recovery contract disputes injunctions enforcement proceedings and general litigation practice.
  
• Excellent knowledge of court and tribunal procedures and relevant Civil Procedure Rules.
  
• Experience managing a complex and varied caseload independently.
  
• Strong advocacy negotiation drafting and legal research skills.
  
• Experience advising public sector or local authority clients on litigation matters.
  
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly to non-legal audiences.
  
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
  

Desirable

• Experience undertaking advocacy in courts and tribunals.
  
• Experience dealing with disputes arising under the Electronic Communications Code.
  
• Knowledge of local government law and its application to litigation matters.
  
• Experience working within a local authority legal team.
  

• Location: Southwark Council
  
• Hours: 36 per Week
  
• Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly
  
• 3 Days In Office - 2 Days WFH