At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice and conduct litigation in criminal cases.
- Company: Join a diverse team at Westminster City Council focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a strong focus on equality and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in criminal litigation.
The predicted salary is between 42912 - 46854 € per year.
Salary range: £42,912 - £46,854 per annum. Salary negotiable depending upon experience.
Work location: Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, Westminster, SW1E 6QPHours per week: 36
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 7 June 2026
Interview date: Week Commencing 15 June 2026
About Us:
Legal Services at Westminster is made up of a dedicated and diverse team of legal professionals committed to improving outcomes for families in the local community. The team focuses on child protection, adult social care and education.
The Role:
As a Criminal Litigation Solicitor, you can make your own powerful contribution to people across Westminster. Joining our Employment, Commercial and Criminal Litigation Team, you’ll provide expert legal advice on all matters relating to criminal litigation. Working across a caseload of litigation and advisory matters, you’ll conduct litigation proceedings at all levels of the criminal court system.
Your day-to-day will be varied and dynamic — including everything from offering robust, risk-assessed advice, to drafting, preparing and collating reports and legal documentation in support of a busy team. You’ll be expected to lead your cases with minimal supervision, but with the opportunity to draw on the expertise, knowledge and experience of supportive colleagues.
A qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEx fellow (with practising rights) you’ll have experience managing a caseload of criminal litigation matters. In a previous role you’ll have drafted legal documents, including witness statements, summonses/charges, pleadings and legal advice notes, and will have demonstrable knowledge of local authority’s duties and powers in relation to the conduct of criminal litigation. Experience of working in local government, and of representation at courts, tribunals and enquiries would be useful, but neither are essential.
Diplomatic, enterprising and a skilled drafter, you’ll be a natural communicator capable of explaining complex legal issues to non-specialist colleagues. On a personal level, you’ll have a keen eye for detail and a solutions-focused mindset, capable of working with a high-degree of political sensitivity.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic and high-performing team with a strong community focus, and to develop your skillset within a fast-moving and challenging political environment.
Westminster City Council is committed to supporting Care Leavers into the workplace. Care Leavers seeking their first job and who wish to be considered under our scheme, will automatically be invited to interview should they meet the essential criteria for the role.
What We Offer:
Westminster is an amazing place. We are home to more than 200,000 residents from all backgrounds, over 50,000 vibrant and vital businesses and three-quarters-of-a-million people work in Westminster. Westminster City Council is one in which our communities are at the heart of our decision-making and help to determine the city’s future. By working directly with our communities and other partners, we can build a more inclusive city that celebrates our diverse communities, and where residents, workers and visitors from all backgrounds will feel welcome and safe.
At Westminster City Council, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive workplace and employer of choice. We encourage and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that, at all levels, represents the communities we serve. We champion equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, has a sense of belonging and is empowered to be their best, that is Our Westminster Way.
As a forward-thinking Council we appreciate that people work in different ways, therefore our staff benefit from working a range of flexible working patterns as well as Agile working.
The Council is a Disability Confident Employer. If you have declared a disability in your application, we guarantee an interview if you meet the essential criteria of the job. If you are invited for interview, you will be asked if you need any reasonable adjustments in order to attend, and we will make these wherever possible.
Criminal Litigation Solicitor WCC624142 employer: Hampshire County Council
Westminster City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Criminal Litigation Solicitors. With a strong focus on community engagement and professional development, employees are encouraged to contribute beyond their roles, participate in volunteering opportunities, and develop their skills within a dynamic team. The Council's commitment to diversity, flexible working patterns, and support for Care Leavers makes it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in legal services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Litigation Solicitor WCC624142
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend events, and join relevant groups. 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 team and their recent cases. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience and how it relates to the role of a Criminal Litigation Solicitor. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Litigation Solicitor WCC624142
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in criminal litigation. Use specific examples that relate to the job description, showing us how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your drafting skills and ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly. We want to see how you can explain things to non-specialists, so give us some examples!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who fits into our close-knit team, so share a bit about yourself and what drives you in your legal career.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with Westminster City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of criminal litigation and local authority duties. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legislation that might come up during the interview. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous caseloads and specific examples of legal documents you've drafted. Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the role, especially in managing complex cases with minimal supervision.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a solicitor, you'll need to explain complex legal issues to non-specialists. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable with this.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Community Focus
Westminster City Council values community engagement and teamwork. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in past roles and how you can contribute to the team’s goals. Highlight any volunteering or community work you've done to show your commitment.
