Senior Solicitor/Lawyer – Litigation

Are you a forward thinking and highly motivated litigation lawyer looking for a fresh challenge and a better work life balance?

Who are we looking for?

This is an exciting time to join Wealden District Council. We are a shared legal service carrying out work for Wealden and Rother District Councils. Our Legal Team provides a crucial role in delivering client focused and professional legal advice, support and assistance to our internal clients.

We are looking for an experienced qualified lawyer to join our supportive team. If you are an ambitious and highly motivated legal professional keen to maximise your potential, then we’d love to hear from you.

You will be responsible for your own caseload as well as working with the Team Leader: Litigation. You can expect to be working on a wide range of casework. Any exposure to work within the local government sector is desirable but not essential.

You will have excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across the organisation. You will be comfortable working independently whilst also collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels, providing clear, practical and proportionate advice on complex issues.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to acquire and develop their legal knowledge and skills on the job whilst also working in a supportive environment for a Council committed to your learning, development and career progression.

What will the role involve?

• Providing professional and timely legal advice across civil, housing, criminal, licensing and regulatory litigation
• Managing a varied caseload of cases and representing the Councils in court and licensing proceedings.
• Working collaboratively with other lawyers within the team and internal clients to achieve the best outcomes for the Councils.
• Supervision of work of other officers involved in litigation related matters.

What skills, knowledge and abilities do you require for the role?

• Significant experience and knowledge in dealing with and advising on litigation and regulatory related matters.
• You will be Qualified solicitor or barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with Litigation Practice Rights and with a current practising certificate.
• Extensive experience in providing clear and coherent written and oral legal advice.
• The ability to maintain high standards of client care and work as part of a team to deliver an effective and efficient legal service.

What do we offer?       

• Competitive salary & pension scheme.
• Incremental progression subject to satisfactory performance.
• A friendly, supportive team.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Hybrid working.

For more information

For more information and an informal and confidential chat about this opportunity please contact Christopher Crichton – Legal Services Manager at christopher.crichton@wealden.gov.uk

CVs will be accepted, provided that an application is also submitted via our online recruitment portal. Please only send your CV to human.resources@wealden.gov.uk

Please note this vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications is received.

About Wealden

Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment.  We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities, and all applications will be treated on merit.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. At Wealden District Council, we are committed to fair, accessible recruitment and supporting colleagues with the adjustments they need to thrive. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview. Join a workplace that values inclusion, wellbeing and equal opportunity.

Ethical Use of AI in Applications

We welcome innovation and do not automatically exclude candidates who use AI tools during the application process. However, we assess each application to ensure the candidate genuinely understands the role and its requirements.

AI may be used ethically and responsibly, provided it supports, rather than compromises our core values of integrity, transparency, and fairness. During assessments and interviews, candidates must present their own skills and experience without assistance from others, external resources, or AI, unless explicitly instructed otherwise.

Closing date: 2 December 2026

For further information or to apply, please click on the ‘Enquire/Apply’ button.