Service Care Legal are working in partnership with a forward-thinking local authority in Essex to recruit an experienced Locum Principal Litigation Lawyer for a full-time, temporary assignment. This role offers the chance to step into a senior legal position, managing a diverse caseload across civil and criminal litigation within a supportive and progressive team.
ROLE: Locum Principal Litigation Lawyer
LOCATION: Essex / hybrid working
RATE: £55–£60 per hour umbrella / £53.28ph PAYE inc. holiday pay / £47.54 per hour exc. holiday pay
CONTRACT: Initial 3 months with possibility of extension, 36 hours per week
This role offers hybrid working arrangements, with the flexibility to work remotely for the majority of the week.
About the Role
As the Principal Litigation Lawyer, you will act as the key advisor on litigation matters for the council, providing strategic legal guidance to officers and elected members.
You’ll handle a varied workload, play a central role in court proceedings, and help shape policy decisions across legal services.
Represent the authority in County and Magistrates' Courts
Manage a wide range of legal matters, including:
Housing possession and anti-social behaviour cases
Judicial review proceedings
Homelessness and housing appeals
Injunction applications
Licensing appeals and committee support
Defended debt claims and planning prosecutions
Provide high-quality legal advice across departments
Draft legal documentation including claims, summonses, and evidence bundles
Participate in the Licensing Hearing rota (training available if needed)
The Person
A qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Legal Executive (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years’ PQE
Experienced in court advocacy across both civil and criminal litigation
Competent in legal drafting and case assessment
Skilled at managing cases through to completion, often independently
Ideally experienced with local authority licensing and planning enforcement matters
Adaptable, proactive, and solution-focused in approach
Should this be an opportunity of interest, please feel free to reach out to me on (phone number removed) or email across an updated CV for review. We welcome referrals which could be worth £250 each so please also bear this in mind