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- Tasks: Handle diverse litigation cases and support enforcement activities for Luton Council.
- Company: Join Luton Council's dedicated Legal Services team making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension contributions, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of meaningful public sector work that aligns with Luton’s ambitious 2040 Vision.
- Qualifications: Minimum 4 years of litigation experience and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with clear career pathways and work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Luton Council is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Legal Officer (Litigation) to join our Legal Services team. This is an exciting opportunity to undertake a varied and impactful caseload, supporting enforcement activity and delivering high‑quality legal services across the Council. You will undertake a broad range of litigation and advocacy work, with a particular focus on:
- Recovery of Civil Penalties
- Defending challenges to enforcement notices in the First Tier Property Tribunal
- Conducting low‑level prosecutions in relation to Private Sector Housing Applications in the County Court and First Tier Property Tribunal
- Possession cases by social landlords, with detailed application of the Civil Procedure Rules
- Providing litigation support to all departments of the Council
- Representing the Council in straightforward advocacy matters, conducting cases from initial instruction through to completion under supervision where appropriate
- Determining appropriate court action or alternative enforcement remedies
- Managing your own caseload efficiently, meeting targets and court deadlines
- Undertaking legal research to refresh and develop expertise across relevant areas of law
- Flexibility to meet service needs, including working hours aligned to court schedules and hearing dates
Qualifications
- Significant and recent in‑depth experience (minimum 4 years) handling litigation matters
- Demonstrable experience of applications in the County Court and/or First Tier Property Tribunal
- Experience in general civil litigation
- Detailed knowledge of relevant English Law and the Civil Procedure Rules, particularly in relation to possession proceedings by social landlords
- Ability to conduct non‑complex cases independently in the County Court and First Tier Property Tribunal
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and prepare accurate, grammatically precise legal documentation
- Integrity, professionalism and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters appropriately
- Excellent organisational skills, using initiative to prioritise and manage a busy caseload
- Effective decision‑making skills in determining enforcement strategies
- A commitment to client care and high‑quality service delivery
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
- Competence in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Awareness of equality and diversity principles, and the confidence to identify and address discrimination in service delivery or the workplace
Benefits
- Annual leave: 25 to 32 days linked to length of service and grade
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional
- Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: generous employer contributions up to 20.2% (as at July 2023) and 3 × salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible; requests for part‑time hours and alternative working patterns are welcomed
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: discounts on MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: savings on local bus travel
At Luton Council, we are committed to delivering high‑quality legal services that protect the public interest and support our communities. You will join a supportive and professional Legal Services team, with opportunities for development, varied work and agile/flexible working arrangements to suit service needs. If you are a capable and confident litigation professional ready to contribute your expertise to meaningful public sector work, we would welcome your application. Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no‑one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do.
Legal Officer (Litigation) employer: Luton Council
Contact Detail:
Luton Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Officer (Litigation)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend local events, and join relevant online 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 practising common questions and scenarios related to litigation. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work or case studies to interviews. This will demonstrate your experience and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Luton Council and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Officer (Litigation)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in litigation and advocacy. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of grammatical errors. We’re looking for someone who can present information effectively, so let your writing shine!
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of English Law and the Civil Procedure Rules, especially regarding possession proceedings. We want to know that you’re up-to-date and ready to tackle the challenges of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 exciting opportunity with Luton Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Luton Council
✨Know Your Litigation Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of civil litigation and the Civil Procedure Rules. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled, especially those related to possession proceedings or enforcement notices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Legal Officer, strong written and oral communication skills are crucial. Prepare to demonstrate how you can present complex legal information clearly. You might even want to bring along examples of legal documents you've drafted to showcase your attention to detail and professionalism.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
With a busy caseload, being organised is key. Think of examples where you've successfully managed multiple cases or deadlines. Discuss your strategies for prioritising tasks and how you ensure nothing slips through the cracks, which will highlight your ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Luton Council values teamwork, so be ready to talk about your experiences working collaboratively. Share instances where you’ve worked with other departments or team members to achieve a common goal, showing that you can contribute positively to the Legal Services team.