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. ROLE: Civil Litigation Lawyer – Local Authority LOCATION: South West London | Hybrid Working (2 Days in Office) CONTRACT: 35 Hours per Week, 11-Month Maternity Cover RATE: £45.00 to £50.00 per hour umbrella - £44.51ph PAYE inc. holiday pay, £39.72ph exc. holiday pay) - DOE PQE and interview performance 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. If this sounds like an opportunity of interest, please contact Lloyd Stanley on 01772 208969, or email Lloyd.stanley@servicecare.org.uk. We also welcome referrals for this position, where a successful recommendation would be worth £250.