At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on civil litigation matters and represent the Council in court.
- Company: Join Peterborough City Council's dynamic Legal Department with a diverse team.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible bank holidays, and access to discounts and development opportunities.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in civil litigation and strong advocacy skills.
We are looking for a Senior Civil Litigation Lawyer with extensive experience in all aspects of Civil Litigation within the public sector. In this role, you'll provide valuable legal advice and support on various litigious and potentially litigious matters, including housing, debt recovery, judicial reviews, and business rate disputes. Your expertise in advising officers on governance matters will also be highly valued.
As part of your role, you will also conduct advocacy on behalf of the Council in the County Court and provide support and resilience for colleagues by occasionally covering hearings in the Magistrates Court on SJP matters.
Our Litigation team comprises a Principal Lawyer, a Criminal Litigation Senior Lawyer, a Civil Litigation Senior Lawyer, a Senior Employment Lawyer, two Assistant Lawyers, and two legal officers. This role is diverse and varied, allowing you to work efficiently and proactively, providing advice and support to internal client departments across the Council.
The Legal Department at Peterborough City Council is a robust team of around 50 officers, divided into four sections: Planning & Property, Commercial, Contracts & Procurement, Child Protection, and Litigation (which also includes Adult Social Care and Employment). Our team comprises lawyers, legal officers, and our newly appointed Head of Legal, supported by administrative staff to ensure efficient service delivery. We not only serve our internal PCC client departments with a range of support across various service areas but also provide external legal support to other Local Authorities.
We value our colleagues and have developed a number of benefits in addition to our generous annual leave starting at 25 days + bank holidays, sick pay and local government pension scheme:
- Access to a range of benefits via our Employee Benefits Platform, including in-store and online discounts as well as our Cycle to Work and Home & Electronics schemes.
- Buy up to 10 days additional annual leave (pro-rata).
- Access to car lease scheme.
- Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances.
- Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared Cost AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings.
- Access to development opportunities including apprenticeships to support your personal and professional growth.
- Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day.
- Access to our equality, diversity and inclusion network.
- Opportunities to receive Employee Recognition Awards.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering diversity, advancing equity, and building an inclusive workplace for everyone. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups, including disabled people, care leavers, and individuals from minority ethnic communities. Your unique perspectives and experiences are encouraged and valued and will play a vital role in our success.
Lawyer - Civil Litigation in Peterborough employer: Peterborough City Council
Join our dedicated Children's Occupational Therapy team in Peterborough, where we prioritise person-centred care and foster a collaborative work culture. Enjoy the flexibility of managing your own diary with no weekend work, alongside opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training and support. Our small yet impactful team is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and young people, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer - Civil Litigation in Peterborough
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Peterborough City Council, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer - Civil Litigation in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Peterborough City Council, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Peterborough City Council and the specific role of Lawyer - Civil Litigation. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Peterborough City Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Peterborough City Council
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Peterborough City Council.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Peterborough City Council.
