Role Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Legal Professional to take up the role of Head of Litigation. This Senior position will lead our litigation team, covering a wide range of complex and high-profile matters, and will be a key part of the Legal Services leadership group. Reporting to the Director of Legal, the postholder will also deputise as required, ensuring continuity of leadership and providing strategic advice at the most senior levels of the organisation.
Responsibilities:
*Lead, manage, and develop the litigation team to deliver high-quality, timely, and cost-effective legal services.
*Provide expert advice on a wide range of litigation, regulatory, governance, and public law matters.
*Manage and oversee casework in civil, criminal, employment, housing, and public law litigation.
*Conduct and oversee advocacy in courts and tribunals, including instructing and managing Counsel.
*Ensure the Council’s interests are robustly represented and protected through effective case management and strategic advice.
*Support corporate governance by advising Members, Committees, and senior officers as required.
*Deputise for the Director of Legal, including attending senior management meetings and providing leadership across the wider Legal Services function.
*Attend evening and out-of-hours meetings when required, including Committees and related forums.
Requirements:
*Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX in England and Wales.
*Significant post-qualification experience in litigation across a range of practice areas.
*You will be a highly skilled litigation lawyer with substantial post-qualification experience and a track record of successfully managing complex cases.
*You will bring strong leadership skills, a collaborative approach, and the ability to operate at pace within a high-profile public sector organisation.
*Demonstrable ability to lead, manage, and develop a legal team.
*Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to advise at the highest level.
*Experience of deputising for senior colleagues or operating in a leadership capacity.