Are you a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or FILEX of England and Wales with a current practising certificate looking for a new opportunity to develop your career in Litigation?

As a Litigation Lawyer, you will join a supportive, successful in-house legal team that delivers effective legal advice, representation and assistance to the Council.

We offer hybrid working which allows for remote working but we also require regular office attendance with the aim to give everyone a balanced work/life ratio. You will be expected to attend a Surrey office a minimum of 40% of your working week, with the ability to access offices across Surrey’s estate in Reigate and Weybridge. The team are very approachable so there will always be someone to provide you with support and discuss matters with. This role is contractually based at Woodhatch Place, Reigate until 31st March 2027, however this vacancy is expected to transfer to West Surrey following Local Government Reorganisation (see below for more information).

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role

As a Litigation Lawyer, you will have conduct of a varied and complex caseload which includes all non-insurance related litigation/disputes involving the Council. Work for the internal client encompasses debt recovery, particularly adult social care fees; property and commercial disputes and a variety of other litigation matters. A proven track record demonstrating the ability to manage a varied and complex caseload and to work flexibly using initiative is essential. Advocacy experience or the willingness to undertake advocacy is also required for this role. As a Litigation Lawyer, you will be expected to carry out a range of key responsibilities, which will include:

• Providing solutions-focused and enabling advice on a range of litigation matters, and an ability to learn quickly about subjects of which you may not have had any prior experience;
• Drafting briefs to Counsel;
• Effective team working;
• Leading/ contributing at client and project meetings;
• Advising Members and Senior Officers of the Council;
• Managing competing priorities to achieve client/ statutory deadlines;
• Exemplary client care and organisational skills.

Your application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• You are a skilled litigation lawyer with experience of the law and practice in this area
• The ability to work with clients at all levels and give clear, accurate and practical advice

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

We welcome applications from candidates with relevant experience from both the public and private sector. Candidates with private sector experience should have a solid understanding of how local authorities operate and demonstrate their ability to transfer knowledge and skills to successfully deliver advice within local government.

Contact Us

If you are looking for a role which is both varied and interesting with an opportunity to develop your existing skills and experience by working in local government, please click the apply button below to submit your application. For an informal discussion or if you have any questions relating to the role, please contact Julie Care via email at Julie.care@surreycc.gov.uk.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation and will move to new authorities in April 2027. This role is currently employed by Surrey County Council and will remain so until then. If you are employed by Surrey County Council on 1 April 2027, your employment will transfer under TUPE arrangements to one of the new councils, with your current terms and conditions protected. The provisional allocation for this post is West Council, subject to final confirmation through the wider transition process later this year. Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.

Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.