£35,412 - £39,152 

As a full-time permanent employee, you’ll also enjoy 26 days of annual leave plus public and bank holidays, with your entitlement increasing to 31 days after five years’ continuous service. Additional leave purchase options and flexible working arrangements are also available.

Are you a qualified legal professional looking to develop your expertise in litigation and planning law within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority? Devon County Council is seeking an Assistant Lawyer to join our Legal Services team, with a particular focus on litigation and planning matters.

About the Role 

The Assistant Lawyer Job Description contains generic information, not all of which will be applicable to this role. As an Assistant Lawyer, you will provide legal advice and assistance to the Council and its directorates, with a strong emphasis on litigation and planning work. Working under the supervision and guidance of senior lawyers, you will: 

• Draft, negotiate, and settle pleadings, applications, orders, and other relevant documents for litigation and planning matters. 
• Provide legal advice to officers and departments on criminal and civil litigation, planning law, and related areas. 
• Conduct litigation including drafting pleadings, taking witness statements, attending mediations, hearings, and instructing counsel when required. 
• Assist with negotiations, liaising with counsel, third-party solicitors, and other representatives as necessary. 
• Support senior team members on complex litigation cases and planning matters. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues across the Council. 
• Take part in the Legal Services’ Out of Hours service as required for urgent matters.

About you

• Qualified solicitors, barristers with rights to conduct litigation, or hold a CILEX professional qualification with litigation rights (or equivalent), and are registered with the relevant professional body. 
• Experienced in legal work, ideally with exposure to criminal litigation and planning law. 
• Excellent communicators, both written and verbal, with strong organisational and prioritisation skills. 
• Competent in using Microsoft Office and case management systems, including effective time recording. 
• Able to manage their own caseload, work to deadlines, and develop creative solutions quickly. 
• Committed to equality, professionalism, and the values of Devon County Council.

Why Devon?

At Devon County Council, you’ll find more than just a job – you’ll discover a career with purpose. 

We offer: 

• Structured Development: Comprehensive training and supervision to help you meet the SRA Practice Skills Standards and progress with confidence.
• Opportunities to Grow: Build expertise across diverse areas of public sector law, with clear pathways for professional development.
• A Council with Purpose: Be part of an organisation committed to creating a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon, guided by our Strategic Plan priorities.
• Inclusive and Collaborative Culture: Work in a team that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration, where your contribution truly matters.
• Impact That Counts: Make a real difference to communities across Devon through meaningful legal work that shapes lives and services.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Hazel Union on 01392 380296 or at hazel.union@devon.gov.uk

Closing date: 25 January 2026

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