Litigation Lawyer (Hybrid)

Litigation Lawyer (Hybrid) – St Albans, £36.83ph (PAYE – Ref: 5294547)

To deal with S106 agreement and Planning Application.

Experience (Qualifications)

• Experience of BNG, Green Belt, Large Housing development.
• Experience in liaising with clients as well as providing a focal point of contact for planning applications.

Working Hours: Full‑Time, 37 hours per week (Part‑time 3 days considered). Working arrangements: Hybrid working (to be agreed). Other requirements: required to attend meetings held at the offices of partner councils or other locations outside normal office hours.

Criminal Litigation

• Advise on the merits of instituting criminal prosecutions across service areas including community protection, fraud, planning, and housing.
• Draft summonses, information’s, and indictments accurately and ensure submission within statutory time limits.
• Advise on evidence, assist with witness statements, prepare bundles, and liaise with the court, defendants, and their legal representatives.
• Represent the Council in the Magistrates’ Court and undertake advocacy as required.
• Advise on and pursue additional remedies such as Proceeds of Crime where appropriate.
• Instruct counsel in collaboration with client departments.
• Provide regular progress updates to client departments.

Civil Litigation

• Advise on instituting civil proceedings including debt recovery (bankruptcy and winding up), contract disputes, judicial review, possession proceedings, illegal encampments, anti‑social behaviour matters, and injunctions.
• Advise on defending claims against the Council including housing appeals, judicial review, injunctions, contract disputes, and debt claims.
• Advise on settlements.
• Draft and respond to civil claims accurately and within required time limits.
• Take witness statements, prepare evidence, and manage all aspects of case conduct.
• Liaise with courts, opposing solicitors, or unrepresented parties.
• Attend hearings and undertake advocacy in the County Court.
• Instruct counsel in collaboration with clients.
• Keep clients updated throughout the progress of each matter.
• Advise on appeals or enforcement following judgment.

Housing

• Provide legal advice to the Housing Department on homelessness applications, including advice on letters and assessment of case merits.
• Institute or defend homelessness proceedings in accordance with civil litigation procedures.

Licensing

• Advise Community Protection on all aspects of licensing law, including attendance at licensing sub‑committee hearings.
• Provide legal advice to the Licensing Committee, including report checking, meeting attendance, assisting members in decision‑making, and drafting formal decisions.
• Advise on appeals following licensing decisions and undertake all necessary steps to defend or resolve appeals, in line with civil litigation processes.

This is a full time role on a temporary contract basis.

Essential Employment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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