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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