Develop Your Legal Career with Devon County Council

Are you looking for a legal role where your work has real impact and no two days are the same?

Join Devon County Council's highly regarded Property Team and become part of a supportive, forward-thinking legal service delivering work that helps shape communities across Devon.

Our Property Team handles a diverse, fascinating and often high-profile caseload, ranging from complex compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) for major infrastructure projects to advising on the County's Schools, Industrial Estates and County Farms portfolios.

This is a fantastic opportunity to build your legal expertise while contributing to projects that make a lasting difference to local communities, public services and the environment.

As part of Devon County Council's Legal Services team, you'll work alongside experienced professionals who are committed to helping you succeed. We invest in our people through high-quality training, modern technology, flexible working and exposure to a wide variety of legal work. You'll gain valuable hands-on experience in a collaborative environment where learning, development and professional growth are actively encouraged.

What you’ll be doing?

As a Senior Legal Assistant within the Property Team, you will play a key role in supporting our senior lawyers and progressing a varied caseload.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting our senior lawyers on major infrastructure projects, including complex compulsory purchase and associated side road orders.
• Managing your own caseload with minimal supervision, including land acquisition and disposals, leases, licences, highways and planning agreements, traffic regulation orders, statutory notices, deferred payment agreements and other property-related work.
• Preparing, drafting and reviewing a range of legal documents, statements, applications and notices, including those under the Highways Acts, Acquisition of Land Act and similar legislation.
• Carrying out legal research and reporting to our senior lawyers (or clients, if so directed).
• Maintaining accurate records and utilising the legal case management system effectively.
• Contributing to the smooth and effective operation of a busy and highly respected legal team.

What We're Looking For?

We're looking for an organised and motivated individual with strong communication skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

You will enjoy working collaboratively, taking ownership of your workload and developing positive relationships with colleagues and clients. Whether you already have experience within property law or are looking to broaden your expertise in this area, you'll be supported to develop your skills and progress your career.

What you’ll gain?

If you're looking to apply your legal skills in a role that delivers tangible benefits for local communities, this could be the perfect opportunity. You'll be part of a well-regarded legal team providing practical support on matters that help shape Devon's future while delivering an excellent service to clients across the 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 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.
• Inclusive and Collaborative Culture: Work in a team that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration.
• Impact That Counts: Make a real difference to communities across Devon through meaningful legal work.

Our offer to you

Working for Devon County Council (DCC) has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer.

In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:

• 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website.
• Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme – available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life.
• Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role).
• Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme.

For an informal discussion please contact
Bryony Davies bryony.davies@devon.gov.uk
Michelle Ellis michelle.ellis@devon.gov.uk 

How to apply 

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.