General Litigation Lawyer

About the role

Southwark Council is seeking a General Litigation Lawyer to deliver high‑quality legal services and support cost‑effective decision‑making across a wide range of public‑sector disputes.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of general litigation matters, including property disputes, contract issues, injunctions and enforcement actions.
• Provide strategic and tactical legal advice to senior officers and ensure compliance with evolving legislation.
• Represent the Council in complex and sensitive court proceedings, delivering advocacy as required.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of court rules, oversee efficient file management and support governance processes.
• Collaborate with officers at all levels to shape legal strategies and influence key decisions.

Required profile

• A qualified lawyer authorised to conduct litigation with at least three years post‑qualification experience, including two years in general litigation and advisory work.
• Current practising certificate as a Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX Fellow (or eligibility to obtain one).
• Strong case‑management abilities and the capacity to handle a varied workload independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative work ethic.
• Demonstrated commercial awareness and ability to assess and manage litigation risk.

Required skills

• Advocacy and court representation.
• Case management and file administration.
• Interpretation of legislation and regulatory compliance.

What we offer

• Impactful work handling high‑profile litigation that directly benefits the local community.
• Opportunities to work alongside senior legal professionals and progress within a large public authority.
• Hybrid working model supporting work‑life balance.