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- Tasks: Lead criminal and civil litigation for a local authority, providing expert legal advice.
- Company: Join a supportive and collaborative Local Authority Legal Services team in Essex.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive hourly rate, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public sector services while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified legal professional with significant experience in local authority litigation.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on trust, autonomy, and digital collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 44 - 66 £ per hour.
Location: Essex (Hybrid / Remote Working Available)
Rate: £55 per hour (Umbrella)
Hours: 36 hours per week
Contract: Temporary, Full-time
Seven Resourcing is recruiting a highly experienced Principal Litigation Lawyer for an exciting opportunity within a well-established Local Authority Legal Services team in Essex. This is a senior interim role ideal for an accomplished litigation professional looking for a high-level, flexible local government contract with excellent hourly rates. This role sits within a supportive, collaborative legal team that is solution-focused and committed to delivering high professional standards while achieving value for money across public sector services.
The Role
As Principal Litigation Lawyer, you will act as the Council’s subject matter expert for criminal and civil litigation, providing strategic, technical, and professional legal advice to senior officers and elected members. You will play a key role in shaping litigation strategy and supporting service delivery across multiple directorates. This is a hybrid role, reflecting modern, flexible ways of working with a strong emphasis on trust, autonomy, and digital collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct criminal and civil litigation on behalf of the Council
- Advocate in the Magistrates’ Court and County Court
- Manage housing possession and eviction cases, including anti-social behaviour
- Handle homelessness appeals
- Lead on judicial review proceedings
- Manage defended debt claims
- Conduct licensing appeals and advise on regulatory matters
- Prepare and pursue injunctions
- Lead on planning enforcement prosecutions
- Advise and represent at Licensing Committee hearings
- Provide expert advice on evidential sufficiency and litigation risk
- Draft summonses, claim forms, pleadings, and associated court documentation
- Manage cases from instruction through to conclusion, engaging specialist legal support where required
Candidate Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, Chartered Legal Executive, or equivalent
- Significant experience in local authority litigation
- Proven advocacy experience in the Magistrates’ and County Courts
- Strong background in criminal and civil litigation within local government
- Experience advising on enforcement action and evidential thresholds
- Skilled in drafting legal documentation for court proceedings
- Ability to manage complex caseloads independently
- Willingness to participate in a Licensing hearing rota (prior experience desirable, training available)
Why Work with Seven Resourcing?
At Seven Resourcing, we are dedicated to helping you build meaningful professional connections and advance your career. With nearly a decade of industry experience, over 3000 five-star reviews, and award-winning services, we provide continuous support and access to exciting opportunities. Join us to make a real impact and further your professional journey.
Principal Litigation Lawyer in Essex employer: Seven Resourcing
Contact Detail:
Seven Resourcing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Litigation Lawyer in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your advocacy skills. Since this role involves a lot of courtroom action, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Mock interviews with friends can really help!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, don’t hold back on sharing your past successes in litigation. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy to find and apply for roles like the Principal Litigation Lawyer. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Litigation Lawyer in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in local authority litigation. We want to see how your skills match the key responsibilities listed in the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Principal Litigation Lawyer role. We love seeing your personality come through, so feel free to share your passion for public sector law and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills: Since advocacy experience is crucial for this role, make sure to highlight specific cases where you’ve successfully represented clients in court. We want to know about your approach and any strategies that led to positive outcomes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Seven Resourcing
✨Know Your Stuff
As a Principal Litigation Lawyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in both criminal and civil litigation. Brush up on relevant laws, recent case studies, and any local authority regulations that might come up during the interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Since advocacy experience is crucial for this role, prepare to share specific examples of cases you've handled in the Magistrates’ and County Courts. Highlight your approach to managing complex cases and how you’ve successfully navigated challenges. This will help the interviewers see your practical skills in action.
✨Understand the Council's Needs
Research the local authority’s current legal challenges and priorities. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like housing possession, anti-social behaviour, and licensing appeals. This demonstrates that you’re proactive and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Embrace the Hybrid Work Culture
With a hybrid working model in place, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and productivity in a flexible environment. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated digitally with teams in the past, as this will highlight your adaptability and commitment to modern working practices.
