At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Litigation Team and manage a diverse caseload in civil, commercial, and criminal law.
- Company: Exeter City Council, an innovative authority focused on inclusivity and sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to high-quality legal practice and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Legal Executive, or Barrister with leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 52413 - 54495 € per year.
Exeter City Council is a highly ambitious and innovative authority in one of the most economically successful cities in the UK and has its sights firmly fixed on creating a city that is inclusive, healthy and sustainable.
About you
You will be a qualified Solicitor, Legal Executive or Barrister with a proven track record in handling a range of contentious matters in the areas of civil, commercial and criminal law. You will be an experienced and confident legal professional who is ready to take the next step into a senior leadership role. You will be comfortable with appearing before the civil and criminal courts and tribunals, instructing Counsel where required, as well as demonstrating the ability to communicate complex legal issues with clarity. You will be someone who can balance technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills. You naturally mentor and support others, and you take pride in setting high standards for your team. You’re highly organised, resilient under pressure, and able to manage a demanding workload with professionalism and care. Above all, you value high-quality legal practice and the determination to deliver positive outcomes for both internal clients and the wider community.
About the role
In this senior position, you will lead the Litigation Team, overseeing a Litigation Lawyer, Legal Officer and Apprentice Lawyer. You will manage and allocate workloads, supervise case progression, and support the development of your team. Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will maintain a varied caseload, dealing with contentious legal matters across the Council. Your work will span a variety of areas of law including housing, environmental health, planning enforcement, debt recovery, homelessness and other contentious areas relevant to the Council’s services. You will prepare and conduct cases in the civil and criminal courts and tribunals, negotiate settlements, and advise colleagues, Members, and external partners on legal issues.
About the team
You will be joining Exeter City Council’s Legal Services team, working closely with the Legal Services Manager and the Head of Service Legal and Democratic Services in delivering legal services to the Council. Working within the Corporate Resources directorate, you will be part of a service that values professionalism, integrity, and continuous improvement. You will have the opportunity to contribute to service development, help shape best practice, and play a key role in resolving some of the most significant legal issues facing the Council and the communities it serves.
Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements – we offer flexible hours and hybrid working subject to service requirements.
- A generous minimum annual leave entitlement of 26 days, rising on 5 and 10 years’ service, plus public holidays.
- Local Government Pension Scheme – considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates.
- Cycle To Work scheme.
- Continuing professional development opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Programme which helps supports employees with workplace changes as well as other work, family and personal issues.
What next?
If we sound like the right fit for you and you feel like the right fit for us we would welcome your application. Please click on the Apply button at the bottom of this page. The Closing Date for applications is 9.00am Tuesday 26th May 2026. Interview dates will be confirmed. You are welcome to discuss the position informally. Please call Matthew Hall, Legal Services Manager on 01392 265634. We reserve the right to close any vacancy before the closing date if enough applications are received.
Our commitment
At Exeter City Council we are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. To support this commitment we will strive to implement reasonable adjustments to support any members of our communities who face barriers in recruitment processes, irrespective of the reason. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. If you would like further information on this please contact our HR Team at hr.admin@exeter.gov.uk
Pay: £52,413.00-£54,495.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Locations
Litigation Team Lead in Devon, Exeter employer: Exeter City Council
Exeter City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises professional development and community impact. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the city's ambitious vision for a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Litigation Team Lead in Devon, Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the organisation before your interview. Research Exeter City Council's recent projects and initiatives, especially in legal services. This will help us show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want you to sound confident and articulate when discussing your experience in civil, commercial, and criminal law. Remember, clarity is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Talk about how you've mentored others and managed workloads in previous roles. We love to see candidates who can balance technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask insightful questions at the end of your interview. This shows us that you're engaged and thinking critically about the role. Plus, it’s a great way to find out if we’re the right fit for you too!
We think you need these skills to ace Litigation Team Lead in Devon, Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Skills:Make sure to highlight your qualifications and experience in civil, commercial, and criminal law. We want to see how you've tackled contentious matters before, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Be Clear and Concise:When you're writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain complex legal issues, just like you would when advising colleagues or clients. We appreciate clarity!
Demonstrate Leadership Qualities:Since this is a senior role, we’re keen to see your leadership skills. Share experiences where you’ve mentored others or led a team, and show us how you set high standards for yourself and your colleagues.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Exeter City Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key areas of law relevant to the role, like civil, commercial, and criminal law. Be prepared to discuss your experience with contentious matters and how you've successfully navigated complex legal issues in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Litigation Team Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to mentor and support others. Think of examples where you've led a team or managed workloads effectively, and be ready to share how you set high standards for your colleagues.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex legal concepts in simple terms. The interviewers will want to see that you can communicate effectively with both legal professionals and non-legal stakeholders, so think about how you can convey your ideas clearly and confidently.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific legal scenarios or challenges. Prepare by thinking through potential situations you might face in this role and how you would approach them, focusing on your problem-solving skills and resilience under pressure.
