Service Care Legal are currently recruiting on behalf of a respected local authority in South West London for an experienced Civil Litigation Lawyer to join their in-house legal team on a maternity cover contract. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled legal professional with a solid background in public sector litigation to take on a broad and engaging caseload. The role sits within a supportive, collaborative legal department that services multiple boroughs, offering both high-quality work and a positive team culture.
Key Responsibilities:
* Manage a diverse caseload of civil litigation matters, including:
* (Non-residential) property litigation
* Commercial and contract disputes
* Debt recovery
* Public law-related disputes
* Discrimination and equality claims
* Injunctions and non-housing judicial reviews
* Provide clear, pragmatic legal advice to senior officers, Members, and other internal stakeholders.
* Draft and review legal documents with a high degree of accuracy.
* Ensure legal risk is managed effectively in line with the authority’s strategic objectives.
Requirements:
* Qualified solicitor, barrister, or CILEX with proven experience in civil litigation (ideally within a local authority or public sector environment).
* Strong knowledge of civil procedure and litigation practice.
* Excellent drafting and communication skills.
* Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team setting.
Working Arrangements:
* Hybrid model – 2 days per week in the office (South West London).
* Full-time (35 hours per week) with flexible start times where possible.
* Fixed-term maternity cover for 11 months, with potential for extension.