General Litigation Lawyer

3 Month Contract With A local Authority

To provide high-quality legal advice and representation across a broad range of general civil litigation matters on behalf of the Council. The role involves managing a varied and often complex caseload, supporting Council departments with legal advice, and ensuring the effective conduct of litigation in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of general litigation matters from inception through to resolution.
  


• Advise Council departments and stakeholders on a broad range of civil litigation issues.
  


• Conduct litigation relating to landlord and tenant disputes (commercial and residential), debt recovery, contract disputes, injunctions, enforcement matters, and disputes arising under the Electronic Communications Code.
  


• Prepare legal documents, pleadings, witness statements, court applications, and settlement agreements.
  


• Represent the Council in courts, tribunals, and other hearings, including undertaking advocacy where appropriate.
  


• Provide clear, practical, and commercially focused legal advice to clients and stakeholders.
  


• Ensure effective file management and compliance with court deadlines, procedural requirements, and service standards.
  


• Monitor developments in legislation, case law, and policy and apply them effectively to client matters.
  


• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal departments, external legal professionals, courts, and other stakeholders.
  


• Contribute to the effective delivery of legal services and support the Council's wider objectives.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate (where applicable).
  


• Significant post-qualification experience in general civil litigation.
  


• Strong knowledge of landlord and tenant law, debt recovery, contract disputes, injunctions, enforcement proceedings, and general litigation practice.
  


• Excellent knowledge of court and tribunal procedures and relevant Civil Procedure Rules.
  


• Experience managing a complex and varied caseload independently.
  


• Strong advocacy, negotiation, drafting, and legal research skills.
  


• Experience advising public sector or local authority clients on litigation matters.
  


• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly to non-legal audiences.
  


• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  


• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
  

Desirable

• Experience undertaking advocacy in courts and tribunals.
  


• Experience dealing with disputes arising under the Electronic Communications Code.
  


• Knowledge of local government law and its application to litigation matters.
  


• Experience working within a local authority legal team.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Southwark Council
  


• Hours: 36 per Week
  


• Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly
  


• 3 Days In Office - 2 Days WFH