At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our legal team to deliver impactful litigation services for the Council.
- Company: Chichester District Council, a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development support.
- Other info: Friendly team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in local governance while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with litigation experience.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 50269 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the legal team in delivering litigation services to the Council. This will include prosecutions for breaches of planning orders, Council Tax prosecutions, Renters Rights Act litigation and debt recovery. You will also undertake licensing work as part of the role and may be involved in Judicial Review proceedings on the Council’s behalf.
The Council’s legal services team is a small, friendly team of specialist lawyers working at the heart of Local Government to deliver supporting legal services which enable the Council’s work across its directorates. The successful candidate will support the delivery of the Council’s objectives through bringing and defending proceedings before a variety of court jurisdictions. Some advocacy work may be required although many hearings are undertaken by outside counsel.
Candidates should have a background in general or specialised litigation and should ideally have experience of both defence and prosecution work. Qualification as a Solicitor, suitably authorised Chartered Legal Executive or Barrister authorised to conduct litigation is a pre‑requisite for this post. Experience of or interest in housing litigation and debt recovery would be an advantage. Support for further professional development will be provided. Strong interpersonal and organisational skills are essential. You will need to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external contractors, demonstrating a professional, diplomatic and customer‑focused approach. You should be self‑motivated, well organised and able to manage your time effectively to meet deadlines.
For an informal discussion please contact Lorna Turner, Legal Services Manager (Property): lturner@chichester.gov.uk. Interviews to be held week commencing 13th July 2026.
Employee benefits include:
- Excellent defined benefits pension scheme
- Minimum 26 days holiday, up to 31 days after 5 years (or earlier with previous service) plus paid bank holidays
- Flexi‑time (available for most positions) – potential to build up an extra 12 days leave a year
- Flexible working arrangements including working from home and 9‑day fortnight options
- Employee Assistance Programme for staff and their relatives
- Cycle to work scheme / car and cycle loan scheme / discounted city centre parking / Lease Car scheme
- Health & wellbeing initiatives including free health checks and free eye tests plus subsidised leisure centre membership
- Payment of your main professional subscription fee
- Training and development opportunities – including funding of professional qualification training
- Staff Awards Scheme
Chichester District Council has a commitment to Equality of Opportunity in Employment. If you have a disability which makes it difficult for you to complete our application form please contact the HR Section who will assist you.
Litigation Solicitor (Fixed Term) in Chichester employer: Voluntary Action Arun & Chichester
Chichester District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Litigation Solicitors. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including a defined benefits pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on health and wellbeing, the Council fosters a culture that values work-life balance and professional growth. Joining our small, dedicated legal team means contributing to meaningful local governance while enjoying a range of perks designed to enhance your career and personal life.
Contact Details:
Voluntary Action Arun & Chichester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Litigation Solicitor (Fixed Term) in Chichester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend local events, join relevant online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not even be advertised.
✨Ace the Informal Chat
Don’t underestimate the power of an informal chat! Reach out to current employees or managers for a quick coffee or virtual meet-up. It’s a great way to learn about the role and show your enthusiasm without the pressure of a formal interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your litigation experience. Bring these along to interviews or discussions to demonstrate your expertise and how you can contribute to the team. We love seeing real examples of your work!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Litigation Solicitor (Fixed Term) in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Litigation Solicitor role. Highlight your relevant experience in litigation, especially any work related to planning orders or debt recovery, as this will show us you’re a great fit for the team.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your strong interpersonal and organisational skills shine through. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders or managed tight deadlines.
Be Professional and Personable:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t forget to let your personality come through! We’re a friendly team, so showing us your diplomatic and customer-focused approach can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our 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 to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Voluntary Action Arun & Chichester
✨Know Your Litigation Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of litigation processes, especially in areas like planning orders and debt recovery. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in both prosecution and defence work, as this will show your versatility and understanding of the field.
✨Show Off Your Interpersonal Skills
Since the role involves communicating with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and diplomatically. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated challenging conversations or built strong relationships in a professional setting.
✨Time Management is Key
Prepare to discuss how you manage your workload and meet deadlines. Bring examples of how you've prioritised tasks in high-pressure situations, as this will demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the team dynamics or ongoing projects within the legal services team. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
