At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice, manage cases, and support the Council's operations.
- Company: Uttlesford District Council, a family-friendly and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, leisure discounts, and work-life balance support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil and criminal litigation, and drafting legal documents.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for growth and mentoring.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a skilled and motivated legal professional to join our Legal Services team. As a valued member of the Legal Services team, you will play an important role in supporting the Council’s statutory, regulatory and operational functions. Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing informed, accurate legal advice to the Council, its Committees, Working Groups, Management Team and Officers.
- Managing and progressing a varied civil and criminal caseload, acting as the Council’s advocate in courts, tribunals and inquiries where required.
- Undertaking a broad range of civil matters, including debt recovery, housing possession and disrepair, and judicial review.
- Delivering high-quality regulatory legal work across licensing, food safety, health and safety, animal welfare, environmental health, building control and planning enforcement.
- Managing statutory nuisance cases, including the preparation and service of statutory notices.
- Providing specialist legal support on licensing matters and attending Licensing Committee as the Council’s legal advisor.
- Drafting and preparing contracts, agreements, orders and other legal documentation to support Council operations.
- Preparing and contributing to reports for Committees and Working Groups.
- Maintaining an up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant legislation, case law and best practice to ensure legal compliance and informed decision‑making.
- Supporting the development, mentoring and training of colleagues as appropriate.
- Undertaking additional legal duties as required by the Head of Legal, including work in other areas to meet the evolving needs of the service.
You will bring knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Civil and criminal litigation, including prosecutions, regulatory matters, housing possession and disrepair.
- Planning appeals and planning enforcement.
- Licensing regimes.
- Drafting legal documentation, including agreements, orders and pleadings.
Uttlesford District Council is a family friendly Council. We encourage and support our employees to have a healthy work life balance as well as offering a range of benefits including generous annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro-rata), leisure centre discounts, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and an online platform offering discounts from online retailers.
For an informal discussion please contact Carolyn Forster, Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer 01799 510436. To find out more and apply please visit https://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/jobs-careers. Closing date for completed applications is Monday 6 April 2026. It is intended that interviews will be held on 16 April 2026. CVs will not be accepted.
Uttlesford District Council is an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from all. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a Fostering Friendly Employer and proud to support our Care Leavers and the Armed Forces Covenant. Anyone disclosing a disability or is a Care leaver or is a member of the Armed Forces community (Veteran/Service leaver, Reserve Forces, or their Spouses/Partners or Cadet Force Adult Volunteer) whose application meets the essential criteria for the post will be guaranteed an interview.
Litigation Lawyer in Saffron Walden employer: Uttlesford District Council
Contact Detail:
Uttlesford District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Litigation Lawyer in Saffron Walden
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Council’s recent cases and legal challenges. We want you to show off your knowledge and passion for the role, so come armed with questions that demonstrate your interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience in civil and criminal litigation, as well as your skills in drafting legal documents. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the time to follow the process. Don’t forget to highlight your relevant experience in your cover letter!
We think you need these skills to ace Litigation Lawyer in Saffron Walden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in civil and criminal litigation. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Legal Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the legal areas mentioned, like licensing and planning enforcement. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their knowledge of current legislation and best practices.
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Uttlesford District Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on relevant legislation, case law, and best practices in civil and criminal litigation. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in the law will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about your field.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as managing a statutory nuisance case or drafting legal documentation. Be ready to explain how you would approach these situations, showcasing your problem-solving skills and legal acumen.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Litigation Lawyer, you'll need to provide clear legal advice and represent the Council effectively. Practice articulating complex legal concepts in simple terms, and be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully communicated with clients or colleagues in the past.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves supporting and mentoring colleagues, be ready to share examples of how you've worked collaboratively in the past. Highlight any experience you have in training others or contributing to a team environment, as this will resonate well with the Council's values.