Lawyer - Litigation & Licensing

Lawyer - Litigation and Licensing
Location: Halton, Cheshire
Pay: Up to £28.96 per hour
Contract: Initial 6-month contract with potential to become permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week

Join a Supportive and Impactful Legal Team in the Heart of Cheshire
Halton Borough Council is a dynamic and forward-thinking authority with a strong community focus and a track record of delivering high-quality public services. With excellent transport links and a dedicated workforce, Halton offers a rewarding and flexible working environment for legal professionals.

We are now looking for a skilled and motivated Lawyer - Litigation and Licensing to join our Legal Services Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to make a direct impact through a diverse caseload, focusing on litigation, prosecutions, and licensing.

About the Role
You will play a key role in delivering high-quality legal services across a broad spectrum of contentious legal areas. From undertaking prosecutions in the Magistrates' Court (now based in Warrington) to advising on licensing matters and delivering training, this is a varied and rewarding role with real influence.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct criminal and civil advocacy, with a focus on prosecutions in the local Magistrates' Court

• Provide legal advice across a range of litigation and licensing matters

• Support decision-making through legal advice to Boards, Committees, Panels, and Officers

• Draft complex legal documents, negotiate on behalf of the Council, and provide procedural advice

• Contribute to the development and implementation of Practice Standards within Legal Services

• Identify and advise on legal developments affecting service delivery

• Deliver legal training to Members and Officers

• Work collaboratively with internal departments, external partners, and stakeholders

• Support other areas of legal work within the team when needed

About You
You will hold a recognised legal qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive, and ideally bring:

• Experience in criminal and civil advocacy

• Knowledge of one or more relevant areas of law: planning, highways, environmental, consumer protection, waste, contaminated land, open spaces, or rights of way

• Preferably experience in a local authority or similar public sector environment

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work under pressure and manage complex legal issues to tight deadlines

• Excellent negotiation, advocacy, and interpersonal skills

• Strong IT skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, G Suite, Mosaic)

• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle (reasonable adjustments available as needed)

Why Join Halton?
Our legal team is collaborative, client-focused, and committed to continuous improvement. You'll be joining a service where your contribution matters and your professional development is supported. The role offers flexibility, meaningful work, and the chance to be part of a well-regarded local authority making a real difference.

Connect2Haltonis a trading style of Halton & Kent Commercial Services LLP- A joint venture between Halton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Halton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.