At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in tackling impactful legal issues across various areas of law.
- Company: Join Exeter City Council, a forward-thinking authority in a thriving UK city.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Barrister, Solicitor or Legal Executive with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and high-quality legal practice.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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.
You will be an experienced and confident legal professional who is ready to take the next step into a senior, high-impact leadership role. You will be a qualified Barrister, Solicitor or Legal Executive with authorised-person status with a proven track record in handling a range of contentious matters in the areas of civil, commercial and criminal law. 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 coach 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.
In this senior position, you will lead the Housing & 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 busy and varied personal caseload, dealing with contentious legal matters across the Council.
Your work will span a variety of areas of law including housing, homelessness, environmental health, planning enforcement, debt recovery, 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 strategic legal issues. You will also contribute to corporate priorities, such as work relating to anti-social behaviour and public wellbeing and will act as an Authorising Officer for surveillance powers under RIPA.
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 as well as the Council’s Housing Services team, senior officers, Members, courts, and a wide range of external partners to support the Council’s statutory duties and corporate objectives.
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 and impactful legal issues facing the Council and the communities it serves.
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 Monday 13 April 2026. Interview dates will be confirmed.
For further details on this position including the Job Description and Person Specification and how to apply, please visit our website on www.exeter.gov.uk/jobs. 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.
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.
Team Lead Housing and Litigation in England employer: Exeter City Council
Contact Detail:
Exeter City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Lead Housing and Litigation in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into Exeter City Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of housing and litigation law. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and how you can contribute to the Council’s goals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you’ve coached or supported others in your previous roles. This will highlight your ability to manage and develop a team effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Exeter City Council team.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Lead Housing and Litigation in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience in civil, commercial, and criminal law. We want to see how you've tackled contentious matters and what makes you a confident legal professional ready for a leadership role.
Be Clear and Concise: When you're writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex legal issues. Show us you can communicate effectively, just like you would in court!
Demonstrate Your Leadership Style: Since this is a senior position, let us know how you coach and support your team. Share examples of how you've set high standards and managed workloads, as we value strong interpersonal skills alongside technical expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application via our website! It's the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining Exeter City Council and being part of our ambitious team.
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 housing, homelessness, and environmental health. Be ready to discuss your experience with contentious matters and how you've navigated complex legal issues in the past.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've successfully managed a team. Think about times when you've coached others or set high standards, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role requires explaining complex legal concepts, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable with this aspect.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you manage a demanding workload and prioritise tasks. Share specific strategies you've used to stay organised and resilient under pressure, as this will show you're ready for the challenges of the role.