Assistant Lawyer - Litigation and Planning
- Exeter, Devon
- Full Time
- £35,412 - £39,152 per annum
Salary range: £35,412 - £39,152
Employer Pension contribution £ 7,724 – £8,535
Total (Salary + Pension) £43,136 – £47,687
Work base: County Hall, Exeter
As a full-time permanent employee, you’ll also enjoy 26 days of annual leave plus public and bank holidays, with your entitlement increasing to 31 days after five years’ continuous service. Additional leave purchase options and flexible working arrangements are also available.
About the Role
Are you a qualified legal professional looking to develop your expertise in litigation and planning law within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority?
Devon County Council is seeking an Assistant Lawyer to join our Legal Services team, with a particular focus on litigation and planning matters. Our work spans a broad spectrum, from criminal prosecutions to planning committee , advising on highways issues and resolving contractual disputes – no two days are the same.
As an Assistant Lawyer, you will provide legal advice and assistance to the Council and its directorates, with a strong emphasis on civil and criminal litigation and planning work. Working under the supervision and guidance of senior lawyers, you will:
- Draft, negotiate, and settle pleadings, applications, orders, and other relevant documents for litigation and planning matters.
- Provide legal advice to officers and departments on civil litigation, planning law, and related areas.
- Conduct litigation including drafting pleadings, taking witness statements, attending mediations, hearings, and instructing counsel when required.
- Assist with negotiations, liaising with counsel, third-party solicitors, and other representatives as necessary.
- Support senior team members on complex litigation cases and planning matters.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues across the Council.
- Take part in the Legal Services’ Out of Hours service as required for urgent matters.
About You
- Qualified solicitors, barristers with rights to conduct litigation, or hold a CILEX professional qualification with litigation rights (or equivalent), and are registered with the relevant professional body.
- Experienced in legal work, ideally with exposure to litigation and planning law.
- Excellent communicators, both written and verbal, with strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Competent in using Microsoft Office and case management systems, including effective time recording.
- Able to manage their own caseload, work to deadlines, and develop creative solutions quickly.
- Committed to equality, professionalism, and the values of Devon County Council.
Why Devon?
At Devon County Council, you’ll find more than just a job – you’ll discover a career with purpose.
We offer:
- Structured Development
Comprehensive training and supervision to help you meet the SRA Practice Skills Standards and progress with confidence. - Opportunities to Grow
Build expertise across diverse areas of public sector law, with clear pathways for professional development. - A Council with Purpose
Be part of an organisation committed to creating a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon, guided by our Strategic Plan priorities. - Inclusive and Collaborative Culture
Work in a team that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration, where your contribution truly matters. - Impact That Counts
Make a real difference to communities across Devon through meaningful legal work that shapes lives and services.
For an informal discussion about this role please contact Hazel Union on 01392 380296 or at hazel.union@devon.gov.uk
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
Reference: REQ009321