About Us
Based in the heart of Warwickshire, the Stratford-on-Avon District is one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s headquarters are located in the heart of William Shakespeare’s hometown. In the District, you will find thriving market towns, home to over 146,000 residents and a tourist destination for millions of visitors each year. We are proud to provide public services to residents, businesses and visitors across this region, making it a great place to live, work and visit.
At the Council, our people are our superpower and by choosing to bring your talents to our organisation, you will be joining a team where everyone belongs, full of dedicated people all working with passion and purpose, across a dynamic portfolio of work providing high-quality services.
Benefits
As part of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Flexibility: A minimum of 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part time posts)
- Hybrid working arrangements with the flexibility to work from home for up to 60% of your hours (dependent upon the role)
- Flexi-time scheme for a better work-life balance.
- Lifestyle: Health Cash Plan Scheme for medical and dental expenses.
- Eye test voucher scheme
- Everyone Active Gym Membership discount
- Professional Development: Training and Development opportunities.
- Payment of one professional subscription fee
- Financial Planning: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme to secure your future.
- Access to free Will writing services.
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Salary Sacrifice schemes e.g. Cycle to Work
- Free town centre parking
What to Expect in the Role
You will be part of a small team of regulatory lawyers within the Legal Service providing comprehensive, practical and solution-focused legal advice and support on civil litigation, housing and homelessness to Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District Councils.
You will be required to conduct advocacy in the County Court, as well as give advice on housing law, and homelessness.
You will have your own caseload of matters, and will be expected to work with some supervision, with support and mentoring provided within the Team as appropriate.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
Grade E:
- To assist the Head of Service, Legal Services Manager and Team Leader in advising and assisting Members and Officers principally on civil litigation, housing and homelessness matters in order to ensure that the Councils act in accordance with the law. To personally provide, or facilitate the provision of, comprehensive, practical and solution-focused legal advice for officers and councillors of the Councils, including the Management Team and Cabinets. To prepare for and represent or secure representation for the Councils at any court, tribunal or inquiry as necessary. To manage and deliver effectively a personal caseload of legal matters including those of a complex and/or sensitive nature. To comply with the Councils’ constitution and policies and, where required, to seal documents accordingly. To contribute to the provision on an effective, efficient, value for money legal service including the provision of legal advice and support for external clients.
Grade F:
- To assist the Head of Service, Legal Services Manager and Team Leader in advising and assisting Members and Officers principally on civil litigation, housing and homelessness matters in order to ensure that the Councils act in accordance with the law. To personally provide, or facilitate the provision of, comprehensive, practical and solution-focused legal advice for officers and councillors of the Councils, including the Management Team and Cabinets. To secure representation for the Councils at any court, tribunal or inquiry as necessary. To draft routine summons/claims using precedents and templates. To represent the Councils at preliminary Court hearings, such as directions hearings. To manage and deliver effectively a personal caseload of legal matters including those of a sensitive nature. To comply with the Councils’ constitution and policies and, where required, to seal documents accordingly. To contribute to the provision on an effective, efficient, value for money legal service including the provision of legal advice and support for external clients.
What You’ll Need
(Please see Job Description and Person Specification for more details):
Grade E:
- Thorough knowledge of the law relating to civil litigation, public sector housing law and homelessness.
- Post qualification experience of and willingness to conduct advocacy in person in courts, tribunals or council meetings (Grade E).
- Accuracy, with attention to detail and an ability to write and present lucid reports.
- Effective communicator, both in writing and verbally, and good organisation and administrative skills.
- Ability to understand the client’s motivations and goals and provide legal advice in a practical, solution-focused way
Grade F:
- Some knowledge of the law relating to civil litigation, public sector housing law and homelessness.
- Experience of conducting advocacy in person in courts, tribunals or council meetings or a willingness to develop those skills.
- Accuracy, with attention to detail and an ability to write and present lucid reports.
- Effective communicator, both in writing and verbally, and good organisation and administrative skills.
- Ability to understand the client’s motivations and goals and provide legal advice in a practical, solution-focused way
Right To Work
Applicants must have existing Right to Work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence could be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by AI, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal applicants may be subject to disciplinary action.
Interview Format
All interviews for this position will be held face to face, as we believe this offers the best experience for candidates and panel members.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Nigel Bell, Interim Planning and Regulatory Team Leader on 01789 260978 or Nigel.Bell@stratford-dc.gov.uk or Sue Mullins, Legal Services Manager on 01789 260975 or sue.mullins@stratford-dc.gov.uk
Applications will close at midnight on 11th MAY 2026
Interviews will be held week beginning 18th MAY 2026
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