Junior Lawyer - Litigation - 12 months Fixed Term

We’re recruiting a Junior Lawyer to join our dedicated Law and Governance service. You’ll help us deliver high quality legal work that supports our colleagues, councillors and communities. This role matters because it helps us make fair, evidence based decisions that protect the interests of Milton Keynes City Council and the people we serve. You’ll be part of a professional team that works collaboratively, treats everyone with respect and shares our commitment to doing the right thing.

This role may be suitable for home working, following an assessment. Home‐based roles require a minimum of one day per week working from the office or site.

At Milton Keynes City Council, we aim to make a difference every day. We’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We act as one council, and we work hard to create cleaner, safer and healthier communities while tackling inequalities and supporting people to thrive.

Main Responsibility

As our Junior Lawyer for Litigation, you’ll play an important role in helping us manage and resolve legal matters that affect the council. Under the supervision of a qualified lawyer, and sometimes independently, you’ll:

• Manage a varied caseload of litigation matters and make sure all work is completed to a high standard and on time. Matters will involve both criminal and civil cases with a particular focus on Housing Disrepair, anti-social behaviour issues and related possession proceedings.
• Deliver services that offer value for money and reflect a culture of continuous improvement.
• Follow agreed processes and contribute to the smooth handling of legal cases.
• Provide clear advice, guidance and updates to colleagues on your cases and related issues.
• Build strong working relationships across the council and with external organisations.
• Support wider team priorities by taking on additional tasks as required.
• Show a personal commitment to our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.

The Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for someone who’s committed to developing a rewarding legal career in local government. You’ll bring:

• A degree or relevant experience and be working towards qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) lawyer.
• Knowledge of local government law, particularly litigation and especially in housing disrepair and civil matters.
• Experience managing a litigation caseload in a council or private practice environment.
• The ability to draft legal and formal documentation clearly and accurately.
• Strong research skills and the ability to explain legal issues in plain English.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A collaborative approach and a willingness to be part of a supportive team.
• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally.
• Confidence communicating with people at all levels and presenting information clearly.

Package Description

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
• A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
• Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme – low-cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles.
• Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.

About The Organisation

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live. We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference. We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.