At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Litigation Team and manage a diverse caseload in civil, commercial, and criminal law.
- Company: Join Exeter City Council, an ambitious authority focused on inclusivity and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to continuous improvement and high-quality legal practice.
- 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 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
This is an advertisement for a vacancy at Exeter City Council. 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 better 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.
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
Litigation Team Lead in Horsham employer: Lawyers In Local Government
Contact Detail:
Lawyers In Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Litigation Team Lead in Horsham
✨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 or managed workloads in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and support their team while maintaining high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! This is your chance to find out more about the role and the team dynamics. It shows us that you’re engaged and serious about making a positive impact at Exeter City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Litigation Team Lead in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in civil, commercial, and criminal law. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific needs of the Litigation Team Lead role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior position, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've mentored others or managed workloads effectively in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and support their teams!
Be Clear and Concise: When communicating your legal expertise, clarity is key. Use straightforward language to explain complex legal issues, as this reflects your ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients alike.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawyers In Local Government
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of civil, commercial, and criminal law. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled and how they relate to the role. This will show that you're not just qualified but also passionate about the areas of law relevant to Exeter City Council.
✨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. Highlight your approach to setting high standards and how you ensure your team delivers quality legal practice.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to explain complex legal issues with clarity. Practice articulating your thoughts on legal matters in a straightforward way. Consider how you would explain a complicated case to someone without a legal background, as this will be crucial in your role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and resilience under pressure. Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to contentious legal matters and think through how you would handle them. This will help you demonstrate your ability to manage a demanding workload while maintaining professionalism.