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- Tasks: Lead litigation cases for the Council, providing expert legal advice and representation.
- Company: Epping Forest District Council, known for its supportive and flexible work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £55 per hour, remote working options, and a collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Legal Executive with advocacy experience.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on modern working practices and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 44 - 66 £ per hour.
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Epping Forest District Council to recruit a Principal Litigation Lawyer on a full-time, temporary basis. We are looking to recruit to a vacant role in our Legal Services team. We take pride in our supportive and collaborative team culture and our focus on delivering the Council’s objectives. We aim to be solution driven, providing the highest level of professional standards within a value for money framework.
The District - Epping Forest District Council takes its name from the forest which runs from its southern boundary northwards and shares boundaries with Greater London and Hertfordshire. The three main settlements of Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell and Loughton contain more than half the population of approximately 131,000 people but occupy only 5% of the district.
Working at EFDC - As a Council, we’re no longer reliant on a fixed desk, in a fixed building with fixed working hours approach. Remote and new ways of working are our new normal. We have developed new ways of working and here at Epping we made this a success by quickly adapting to modern technologies and placing new levels of flexibility and trust in our employees.
This role is the Council’s expert for all matters relating to criminal and civil litigation, providing technical and professional advice to officers and members and contributing to the overall direction of the Service. The role includes:
- Conducting cases on behalf of the Council in the Magistrates and County Court
- Housing evictions for anti-social behaviour
- Homelessness appeals
- Judicial reviews
- Defended debt cases
- Licensing appeals
- Injunctions
- Planning prosecutions
- Licensing Committee Hearings
The successful candidate would need to be/have:
- A qualified Solicitor, Barrister, Legal Executive or equivalent
- An experienced advocate in the Magistrates and County Court
- Experience of advising on whether there is sufficient evidence to issue proceedings or defend a case.
- Experience of drafting summons and appropriate claim forms together with associated documents necessary for criminal and civil cases
- Experience in managing criminal and civil litigations cases through to completion (bringing in other legal expertise as appropriate)
- A willingness to be included on the Licensing hearing rota and advise at hearings, (experience would be an advantage or a willingness to undertake licensing training).
Epping Forest District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Principal Litigation Lawyer – Epping Forest District Council employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Litigation Lawyer – Epping Forest District Council
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into Epping Forest District Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local laws and recent cases relevant to the role. Show us you’re not just a qualified lawyer but someone who’s genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express 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! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the new ways of working we value at Epping Forest District Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Litigation Lawyer – Epping Forest District Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Litigation Lawyer role. Highlight your experience in criminal and civil litigation, and don’t forget to mention any relevant cases you've handled. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team at Epping Forest District Council. Share specific examples of your advocacy experience and how you’ve successfully managed cases in the past.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We pride ourselves on our supportive and collaborative culture. In your application, let us know how you work well in a team and contribute to a positive working environment. We love candidates who can bring that team spirit to our Legal Services team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of criminal and civil litigation, especially the specific areas mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with housing evictions, judicial reviews, and other relevant cases. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the law, but that you can apply it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
As an experienced advocate, you’ll want to highlight your courtroom experience. Prepare examples of cases you've handled in the Magistrates and County Court, focusing on your role and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in representing the Council’s interests.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Epping Forest District Council values a supportive and collaborative team culture. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked effectively within a team in previous roles. Share specific instances where you contributed to a team’s success or helped resolve conflicts, showcasing your ability to adapt to new ways of working.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the Council’s approach to remote working or how they handle complex cases. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the Council’s values align with yours.
