Specialist - Litigation and Planning
- Exeter, Devon
- Full Time
- £58,310 per annum
Grade L9 | Starting Salary £58,310 | Employer Pension £12,718 | Market Supplement £6,498 | Total Reward £77,526
Work base: County Hall, Exeter
Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates out of area.
Shape the Future of Local Government Legal Services
Devon County Council is embarking on a significant transformation as part of Local Government Reorganisation. Our vision is to build a modern, efficient and community‑focused authority that delivers outstanding services, strong leadership and exceptional value for money.
This is your opportunity to join a forward‑thinking council at the heart of a thriving South West region — and to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of legal services across the education landscape.
About the Role
As a Specialist in the Litigation and Planning Team you will be an experienced senior local government legal expert in civil litigation and judicial review, entrusted with the most complex and high-profile cases that influence strategic decisions across Devon. You will play a pivotal role in protecting the Council’s interests, supporting the delivery of effective services to vulnerable people and the wider community, and enabling the Council to achieve its strategic priorities.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing expert written and oral legal advice on civil litigation matters and judicial review, often in matters of significant complexity and strategic importance.
- Representing the Council in complex cases at court, tribunals, panels, and committees, ensuring our best interests are protected and legal spend is minimised.
- Supporting senior leadership in shaping legal strategy and policy, and influencing the development of key frontline services.
- Enabling services to adopt streamlined, efficient, and robust approaches to legal issues, driving continuous improvement and cost-effectiveness.
- Mentoring and developing junior lawyers, building in-house expertise and supporting succession planning.
- Acting independently and with minimal supervision, demonstrating sound judgement, adaptability, and the ability to manage competing priorities and urgent deadlines.
- Deputising for senior managers as required, and supporting budget management, recruitment, and resourcing.
- Your work will have a significant impact on the Council’s financial and reputational standing, and on the wellbeing of residents across Devon.
About You
You’ll be an experienced solicitor, barrister with rights to conduct litigation or CILEX lawyer with litigation rights, with a proven track record in advocacy and civil litigation. Your ability to provide clear, persuasive advice and deliver strategic solutions will set you apart.
- Expertise: Significant knowledge in local government civil litigation and judicial review.
- Advocacy Skills: Comfortable representing the Council in Court and Tribunals including examination and cross-examination of witnesses and delivering compelling submissions to the judiciary.
- Collaboration: A team player who builds strong relationships across services, influencing outcomes and supporting colleagues to develop robust legal approaches.
- Values: Committed to public service, safeguarding vulnerable people, and contributing to efficient, cost-effective legal solutions that make a real difference to the citizens of Devon.
- Personal Attributes: Resilient, proactive, and adaptable, with excellent communication skills and a passion for continuous improvement.
Why Join Devon County Council?
Joining Devon County Council means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to transformation, excellence, and public service.
You will:
- Shape the future of local government and legal services during a time of significant change.
- Work on cases that matter, with strategic impact across the county and beyond.
- Enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous leave, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package—including a substantial employer pension contribution and market supplement.
- Be part of a team that values inclusion, collaboration, and professional development, offering opportunities to lead, innovate, and make a real difference.
- Benefit from a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and knowledge transfer.
Devon County Council Strategic Plan 2025–2029
Everything we do is guided by our vision for a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon. Our six strategic priorities are:
- Positive futures for our young people
- Supporting independence and dignity
- Continuous improvement of services
- A green Devon for future generations
- Economic inclusion and local prosperity
- Stronger communities and safer places
Find out more about our strategic priorities at Devon County Council's Strategic Plan 2025-2029
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: REQ009318