At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex legal cases and provide strategic advice to councils.
- Company: Join a collaborative legal service impacting local communities.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public sector law with high-profile cases.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with substantial litigation experience and strong advocacy skills.
The predicted salary is between 52413 - 56782 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and confident Senior Litigation Lawyer to join our Legal Practice, a shared legal service supporting Cambridge City Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, and South Cambridgeshire District Council. This is a senior position offering the opportunity to take a lead role on complex matters, influence key decisions, and provide strategic legal advice across a diverse range of litigation work including housing, prosecution, and licensing.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality, practical, and strategic legal advice to Councillors, senior officers, including Chief Executives, Directors, and Heads of Service.
- Draft a wide range of legal documents, including complex matters requiring original legal analysis.
- Advise at committee meetings, including those attended by members of the public and the press.
- Act as lead legal adviser on major projects and cross-service initiatives.
- Lead the Councils’ response to complex complaints, including legal and procedural issues.
- Play a key role in dispute resolution, including alternative dispute resolution, court proceedings, and public inquiries.
- Represent the Partnership at courts and tribunals across both civil and criminal matters.
Service Delivery & Performance
- Ensure outstanding service delivery by meeting quality standards and performance targets.
- Deliver efficient, cost-effective, and customer-focused legal services.
- Maintain accurate time recording and support income generation targets.
Leadership & Team Contribution
- Supervise, mentor, and support junior colleagues.
- Design and deliver training on legal topics and procedures across the Partnership.
- Contribute actively to team meetings, service improvements, and legal initiatives.
- Support the development of precedents, policies, and procedures.
- Deputise for the Principal Lawyer when required.
Specialist Litigation Focus
Your caseload will predominantly cover housing litigation, prosecution work, and licensing matters. This includes advising on legal and policy issues, drafting key documentation, supporting committees, and representing the Councils in court and tribunal proceedings.
About You
- A qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or equivalent with substantial litigation experience.
- Experienced in handling complex cases and advising senior stakeholders.
- A confident advocate, able to represent clients in court and hearings.
- Skilled in mentoring and supervising legal staff.
- Organised, proactive, and committed to delivering high-quality public sector legal services.
Why Join Us?
- Work on complex, high-profile legal matters that impact local communities.
- Be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking legal service.
- Opportunities for leadership, development, and career progression.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
If you are a senior legal professional looking to take the next step in a collaborative public sector environment, we would love to hear from you. We offer a supportive and rewarding working environment along with a wide range of benefits, including:
- Excellent learning and development opportunities supported via a range of sources and methods.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and Additional Voluntary Contribution (Shared AVC) Scheme.
- Agile and Flexible working options.
- Generous annual leave starting at 25 days, rising to 30 days after five years’ service, plus 8 days public holidays (pro rata for part time), with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Family friendly policies and Flexible Bank Holidays.
- Confidential wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and Your Care wellbeing platform.
- Staff reward and recognition framework, including an annual staff awards ceremony.
- Professional Membership Fees paid for, dependent on role.
- Salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work, Gym Membership and Home & Electronics.
- Lifestyle Savings with over 750 discounts from the UK’s leading retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, attractions and more.
- Free swimming at CCC swimming pools.
- Subsidy for public transport.
- Relocation Assistance may be payable in approved cases.
- Annually negotiated pay and award progression.
Hours: We currently have two vacancies available, both full-time hours at 37 per week. However, if you believe you have the skills and experience to join us and would like to discuss different working patterns, please do get in touch.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £52,413 - £56,782 per annum City Pay Band 8, pro rata for part time.
Location: This is flexible with our office bases between Cambourne, Cambridge and Huntingdon as service need dictates but also you can balance this with working from home.
To be considered for this role, please click ‘Apply Online’ and submit an application. If you are an internal candidate you can apply by logging in to your Employee Self-Serve (ESS) and access the ‘Useful Links’ (top right of the dashboard, under the person icon) and click on ‘CCC Job Opportunities’. Cambridge City Council recognises the value of digital badges in evidencing skills, knowledge and competencies, and welcomes their inclusion within job applications as verifiable indicators of achievement and capability. Cambridge City Council is an Equal Opportunity employer and embraces diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Senior Litigation Lawyer - Cambridge employer: Cambridge City Council
Join a dynamic and supportive legal team at Cambridge City Council, where you will work on complex, high-profile litigation matters that directly impact local communities. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to wellbeing, we offer an enriching environment for senior legal professionals looking to advance their careers while making a meaningful difference. Enjoy generous benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, extensive annual leave, and opportunities for leadership and mentorship within a collaborative public sector setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Litigation Lawyer - Cambridge
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Litigation Lawyer - Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Cambridge City Council, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Cambridge City Council and the specific role of Senior Litigation Lawyer - Cambridge. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Cambridge City Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge City Council
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Cambridge City Council.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Cambridge City Council.
