Legal work that stands up

At Swindon Borough Council (SBC), our in-house legal team supports a place with ambition, momentum and a clear sense of purpose.

The Council is a large unitary authority serving a growing town, well connected and surrounded by countryside. It is managing complex demand, supporting regeneration and making decisions that have real, visible impact on communities. The legal work that comes with that is varied, stretching and often high profile.

We are recruiting experienced lawyers across several specialist areas to strengthen our core legal capability and ensure the Council continues to act confidently, lawfully and well in achieving the best outcomes for residents and communities.

About us

We have a clear focus on delivery, good decision-making and continuous improvement, underpinned by sound governance and professional advice. That commitment was recognised last year when we were shortlisted for Most Improved Council of the Year, and our Chief Executive was shortlisted for CEO of the Year.

Our in-house legal service underpins all our work by providing clear, proportionate and trusted legal advice that helps the Council manage risk sensibly, make confident decisions and deliver for the people of Swindon.

We are an organisation that values judgement, integrity and professionalism. Our lawyers are trusted advisers, working closely with officers and elected members on work that genuinely shapes place, in an environment that supports a sustainable pace and a life outside work.

About the role

This is a role for an experienced litigator who wants breadth, advocacy and professional credibility as part of their day-to-day work.

As a Senior Solicitor in the Litigation team at Swindon Borough Council, you will manage a varied caseload of both civil and criminal litigation, acting as a trusted adviser on complex and often high-profile matters.

What sets this role apart is the range and continuity of work. You will see cases through, maintain advocacy skills and be trusted as a safe pair of hands when the stakes are high.

This role will suit a confident advocate who values judgement, responsibility and work that genuinely matters.

Legal work that keeps you credible

This is not narrow or repetitive in-house work.

Our lawyers advise on matters that are often complex, politically sensitive and high impact. You will work closely with senior officers and elected members, be involved early, and be expected to give clear, proportionate advice that enables progress while managing risk.

For litigators, the range of work available is a real draw, but we recognise that people bring different strengths and preferences.

You will work across civil and criminal litigation, with the opportunity to shape the balance of your caseload over time.

The work includes housing, homelessness and anti-social behaviour, planning and enforcement, and regulatory and prosecution matters such as trading standards and food safety, with advocacy across courts and tribunals forming an important part of the role.

This is work that keeps skills sharp, while also offering scope to develop, broaden or refine your practice in line with experience and interest.

A legal team built on trust

Alongside the quality of the work, the way we operate matters.

We operate a professional and supportive legal service, where lawyers are trusted to manage their caseloads, apply their judgement and provide clear advice.

Specialism is respected, collaboration is the norm, and flexibility is part of how we work.

You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act “for the effective performance of a customer-facing role”).

Closing date: 3 March 2026

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