About the job
Salary: £36,363 - £39,152 a year
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
Are you an experienced litigation professional looking to take the next step in your career within a dynamic and forward‑thinking local authority?
Luton Council is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Legal Officer (Litigation) to join our Legal Services team. This is an exciting opportunity to undertake a varied and impactful caseload, supporting enforcement activity and delivering high‑quality legal services across the Council.
You will undertake a broad range of litigation and advocacy work, with a particular focus on:
* Recovery of Civil Penalties.
* Defending challenges to enforcement notices in the First Tier Property Tribunal.
* Conducting low-level prosecutions in relation to Private Sector Housing.
* Applications in the County Court and First Tier Property Tribunal.
* Possession cases by social landlords, with detailed application of the Civil Procedure Rules.
In addition, you will:
* Provide litigation support to all departments of the Council.
* Represent the Council in straightforward advocacy matters, conducting cases from initial instruction through to completion under supervision where appropriate.
* Determine appropriate court action or alternative enforcement remedies.
* Manage your own caseload efficiently, meeting targets and court deadlines.
* Undertake legal research to refresh and develop expertise across relevant areas of law.
This role requires flexibility to meet service needs, including working hours aligned to court schedules and hearing dates.
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
About you
You will bring:
* Significant and recent in-depth experience (minimum 4 years) handling litigation matters.
* Demonstrable experience of applications in the County Court and/or First Tier Property Tribunal.
* Experience in general civil litigation.
* Detailed knowledge of relevant English Law and the Civil Procedure Rules, particularly in relation to possession proceedings by social landlords.
* The ability to conduct non‑complex cases independently in the County Court and First Tier Property Tribunal.
You will also demonstrate:
* Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and prepare accurate, grammatically precise legal documentation.
* Integrity, professionalism and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters appropriately.
* Excellent organisational skills, using initiative to prioritise and manage a busy caseload.
* Effective decision‑making skills in determining enforcement strategies.
* A commitment to client care and high‑quality service delivery.
* The ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
* Competence in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
* Awareness of equality and diversity principles, with the confidence to identify and address discrimination in service delivery or the workplace.
Why Join Luton Council?
At Luton Council, we are committed to delivering high‑quality legal services that protect the public interest and support our communities. You will join a supportive and professional Legal Services team, with opportunities for development, varied work and agile/flexible working arrangements to suit service needs.
If you are a capable and confident litigation professional ready to contribute your expertise to meaningful public sector work, we would welcome your application.
Benefits
* From 25 to 32 days' annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
* Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
* Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
* Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
* Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
* Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
* Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
* Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
* Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
* Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
Available documents
* download: Senior Legal Officer Litigation - JD&PS.pdf
* download: Luton_Values_Flyer.pdf
About us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision - that no‑one in Luton will have to live in poverty - is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.
The people of Luton depend heavily on this council - and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough.
Salary range: £36,363 - £39,152 per year
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