At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse litigation cases and provide strategic legal advice to Southwark Council.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, a leader in public service law and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the community while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with at least 3 years of litigation experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50175 - 57495 £ per year.
As a General Litigation Lawyer at Southwark Council, you will deliver high‑quality legal services, ensuring cost‑effective and legally sound decision‑making. Your expertise will guide the council in key litigation matters.
What you'll be doing:
- Manage a diverse caseload of general litigation matters, including commercial and residential property disputes, contract issues, injunctions, and enforcement cases.
- Provide strategic and tactical legal advice, ensuring Southwark Council remains a leader in public service law.
- Represent the Council in complex and sensitive cases, including advocacy in court.
- Stay up to date with court rules, demonstrating strong file management and efficiency.
- Collaborate with officers at all levels to shape legal strategies and influence key decision‑making.
- Guide the council’s approach to legal challenges, maintaining Southwark’s leadership in public service law.
- Ensure legal compliance in decision‑making, supporting governance and strategy.
- Assess and interpret new legislation, advising on its impact on Council services.
- Attend and contribute to project groups, working groups, and steering panels.
What we're looking for:
- A qualified lawyer, authorised by your regulator to conduct litigation, with at least 3 years’ post qualification experience including 2 years gained handling general litigation and advisory work.
- A current practising certificate as a Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Fellow (or eligibility to apply for one).
- Strong case management skills and the ability to handle a varied caseload effectively.
- Confident written and verbal communication, with a collaborative work ethic.
- Advocacy skills with a desire to represent the Council in court.
- Ability to quickly adapt to unfamiliar legal areas, becoming proficient with minimal supervision.
- A solid understanding of, or previous exposure to, public sector legal work, with commercial awareness and ability to identify and manage litigation risk.
Why Southwark?
Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London. We are committed to making our borough just and fair and aim to increase representation at senior management level in the Council, particularly welcoming applications from members of Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities.
Additional Details:
Full time, 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The successful candidate will be expected to work from our offices at 160 Tooley Street and up to two days from home, in line with service requirements.
General Litigation Lawyer in London employer: Southwark Council
Southwark Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where you can make a meaningful impact on public service law. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Council provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements while contributing to a fair and just borough.
