Principal Litigation Lawyer

Join Surrey Heath Borough Council and be part of an organisation committed to delivery through meaningful community engagement and excellent customer service. We have a friendly and supportive staff culture with people who want to help make a real difference in our community for everyone that lives and works here. We embrace a culture of innovation and creativity welcoming new ideas. We support a work life balance with options for flexible and hybrid working.  

About the Role 

We are seeking to appoint a Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX to join the Legal Services team at Surrey Heath Borough Council. As Principal Litigation Lawyer you will manage a varied and interesting caseload of both criminal and civil and regulatory matters.  You will also represent the Council in the Magistrates’ Court and County Court and give advice to elected members in Licensing Subcommittee.  

This is a politically restricted post in accordance with Section 2 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.  

About You 

You will have experience of working in a legal team in a Local Government environment and will have advocacy experience in the Magistrates’ and County Court. You will have excellent communication skills. You will have the ability to draft legal proceedings and statutory notices. You can manage a range of complex and competing priorities and deadlines. You are an effective member of the team but can work without supervision and you can manage a diverse workload.  

 Additional Information 

Benefits  

 We offer a generous benefits package including a minimum of 23 days’ annual leave rising to 28 days after 5 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, a generous local government pension scheme, free parking for all employees and payment of a professional membership fee. As well as subsidised gym membership at our local Places Leisure Centre and great savings from supermarkets, shopping, cycle to work schemes and holidays via the My Staff Shop scheme. A laptop and mobile phone will be provided for your role if applicable. 

Offers are usually made at the lower end of the salary band allowing for progression.  

Closing date: 13th May 2025 

Interview date: 22nd May 2025 

 Contact details 

For an informal discussion, please contact Nathalie Boateng, Head of Legal and Democratic Services 

 on 01276 707310, nathalie.boateng@surreyheath.gov.uk on 01276 707310.

Our Commitment 

Surrey Heath Borough Council is committed to equality of opportunity in employment and service delivery and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. To fulfil this commitment we have robust systems in place for the safe recruitment of staff.  

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