Solicitor - home-based in London
Southwark Council London About the role
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.
Impactful Work: Handle diverse, complex and high-profile Litigation cases that directly impact the local community.
Career Growth: Work alongside top legal minds, gaining exposure to high-profile cases and opportunities for progression.
Flexible & Supportive Culture: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with hybrid working options and a commitment to work-life balance.
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. Collaborate with officers at all levels to shape legal strategies and influence key decision-making. You’ll be instrumental in guiding our approach to legal challenges and ensuring that Southwark remains a leader in public service law. Ensure legal compliance in decision-making, supporting governance and strategy. Attend and contribute to project groups, working groups, and steering panels.
We’re looking for a practical, proactive, and results-driven lawyer who brings a blend of the following:
- 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).
- Advocacy skills with a desire to represent the Council in court.
- The 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.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to identify and successfully manage litigation risk.
Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals, and attend our universities. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
This post attracts a market factor payment of 5% in addition to the annual salary applicable, and a hard to fill benefits package of £2,327 per annum that can be used towards gym membership, health insurance, season ticket purchase, bicycle purchase, additional voluntary contribution to pension, subscription, and professional fees.
Disability Confident (guaranteed interview) scheme: As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.
Your tasks
Handle diverse litigation cases that impact the local community and provide strategic legal advice.
Your profile
Qualified lawyer with at least 3 years' experience in general litigation and advocacy skills.
What's also included
Competitive salary, flexible working, and a unique benefits package for your well-being.
Tech stack & ways of working
Solicitor - home-based in London employer: Southwark Council
As a leading organisation in public health, we offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment where your contributions directly impact the health and wellbeing of the Southwark community. With a commitment to professional development, our employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, fostering a healthy work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects that address health inequalities. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference in public health through collaboration and innovation.
View Southwark Council profile
Your perspectives
Make a real difference in the community while advancing your legal career with top professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
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 Southwark 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.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge
When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Southwark 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 Southwark Council and the specific role of Solicitor - home-based. 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 Southwark Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark 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 Southwark 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 Southwark Council.
Locations
- London
