Senior Lawyer - Litigation

This isn’t your typical public sector legal team. We’re a busy, forward-looking service with a reputation for high standards and professional expertise. You’ll be part of a supportive and unified team built on respect and integrity, working closely with colleagues across the Council and external clients.

We’ll support you to grow your legal career in a modern, flexible and inclusive organisation, where you’ll be trusted with interesting work from the outset and encouraged to develop your specialist skills. Our flexible and hybrid working arrangements will also help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and protect your wellbeing.

What you’ll be doing

As a Senior Litigation Lawyer, you’ll manage a varied caseload that makes a real difference to the people of Dorset. You’ll provide clear, practical legal advice on matters such as prosecutions, possession proceedings and debt recovery.

You’ll attend Magistrates and County Courts to represent the Council and provide support and, when required, supervision to members of the Litigation team. You’ll contribute to regular team meetings that encourage collaboration and receive 1:1 support to help you achieve your learning and development aims.

About you

•  experienced in handling litigation matters, with confidence in giving clear written and verbal legal advice
• skilled in court advocacy, with the ability to represent clients effectively at Magistrates and County Courts
• able to manage a varied caseload and adapt to changing priorities
• committed to supporting colleagues and fostering a collaborative team culture
• motivated to continue your professional development and expand your legal expertise

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We: 

• provide essential services that support over 380,000 residents 
• work in partnership to make a real difference 
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities 
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive 

You will: 

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset 
• have access to a range of benefits and support 
• have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve. 

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible. If you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application. 

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement. 

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us. 

Find out more about how to apply.