At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Legal Team to tackle impactful litigation and support vital community services.
- Company: Dynamic local authority with a commitment to public service and community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Clear progression pathways and a collaborative environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Solicitors/Lawyers with strong skills and a passion for public service.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 49282 £ per year.
Make a real difference where your expertise truly matters – Join our Legal Team! After celebrating internal promotions, wishing several long‑serving colleagues a well‑earned retirement and supporting colleagues to move to pastures new, we’re recruiting! We’re also expanding our Legal team in preparation for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in local government so we’re looking for ambitious talent ready to make an impact.
About the Role
We’re looking for talented Solicitors/Lawyers and Principal Solicitors/Lawyers to join our forward‑thinking local authority legal team. This is your opportunity to work at the heart of public service, using your skills to protect communities, support vital services, and influence decisions that shape the lives of thousands. The Litigation Team undertakes a wide range of work including regulatory prosecutions and appeals relating to environmental health (e.g. fly‑tipping), and other areas including statutory nuisance, housing standards, trading standards, food safety, licensing, education, town and country planning, building control, highways, drainage, anti‑social behaviour and any other function which the Council may prosecute.
Responsibilities
- Meaningful, varied work - From safeguarding and governance to contracts, property, and regulatory matters, every day brings new challenges that genuinely impact the public good.
- Professional respect and autonomy - You’ll be trusted to lead on complex cases, advise senior leaders, and shape policy with your legal insight.
- Supportive, collaborative culture - We work proactively and collaboratively in a friendly and supportive environment to achieve the best outcomes, and to support opportunities for training and development.
- Clear progression pathways - Whether you’re an experienced solicitor ready for your next step or a principal solicitor seeking strategic influence, we offer room to grow.
- Work–life balance - Flexible working arrangements and a strong commitment to wellbeing mean you can excel professionally without compromising your life outside work.
Qualifications
Solicitors/Lawyers with strong technical skills, sound judgement, and a commitment to public service. Principal Solicitors/Lawyers ready to lead, mentor, and drive high‑quality legal practice across the authority.
Required Skills
The team conducts cases in the First Tier Property Tribunal, Magistrates Court, County/High Court and on occasion the Administrative Court. The team provides legal advice in all types of licensing matters including advising the Council’s internal decision‑making Sub Committees on the law relating to taxi licensing and premises licensing. The team also represents the Council in licensing appeals and other civil appeals in the Magistrates Court.
Pay range and compensation package
Salary: £45,091 to £49,282 per annum
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to diversity and inclusivity. If you’d like to learn more, you’re welcome to contact samantha.vickery@blackburn.gov.uk, who will be happy to arrange a convenient time for a telephone conversation.
Solicitor - Litigation employer: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Join our dynamic Legal Team where your expertise will make a tangible difference in the community. We pride ourselves on a supportive and collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth, offering clear progression pathways and flexible working arrangements to ensure a healthy work-life balance. With meaningful and varied work at the heart of public service, this is an exceptional opportunity for ambitious solicitors to influence decisions that shape the lives of thousands.
Contact Details:
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor - Litigation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend local events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent cases. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for public service and how your skills can make a real difference in their legal team.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that solicitor role! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our forward-thinking legal team.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor - Litigation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Solicitor in our Litigation Team. We want to see how you can make a real difference in public service!
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical skills and sound judgement. We’re looking for candidates who can lead complex cases and provide insightful legal advice, so let us know what you bring to the table!
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your passion for public service and how you’ve made an impact in previous roles. We want to get to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and see how you fit into our supportive and collaborative culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key areas of law relevant to the role, especially around regulatory prosecutions and appeals. Familiarise yourself with recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact local government work.
✨Show Your Passion for Public Service
During the interview, express your commitment to public service and how your legal expertise can make a difference in the community. Share examples from your past experiences where you've positively impacted public welfare.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific legal scenarios related to the role. Think through potential challenges you might face in the Litigation Team and prepare structured responses that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work in a supportive and collaborative environment. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with colleagues or stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes, as this aligns with the team's culture.
