About Us
Based in the heart of Warwickshire, the beautiful district of Stratford‑on‑Avon is, without doubt, one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. Stratford‑on‑Avon District Council’s headquarters are located in the heart of William Shakespeare’s hometown. In the district you will find thriving market towns, home to over 146,000 residents and a tourist destination for millions of visitors each year, from across the globe. We are proud to provide public services to residents, businesses and visitors across this magnificent region, making it a great place to live, work and visit.
Benefits
- Flexibility: Minimum 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time posts). Hybrid working arrangements with the flexibility to work from home for up to 60% of your hours (dependent upon the role). Flexi‑time scheme for a better work‑life balance.
- Lifestyle: Health Cash Plan Scheme for medical and dental expenses. Eye test voucher scheme. Everyone Active gym membership discount.
- Professional Development: Training and Development opportunities. Payment of one professional subscription fee.
- Financial Planning: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme to secure your future. Access to free will‑writing services. Employee Assistance Programme. Salary sacrifice schemes such as Cycle to Work. Free town centre parking.
What to Expect in the Role
You will be part of a small team of regulatory lawyers within the Legal Service providing comprehensive, practical and solution‑focused legal advice and support on civil litigation, housing and homelessness to Stratford‑on‑Avon and Warwick District Councils. You will conduct advocacy in the County Court, provide advice on housing law and homelessness, manage a caseload of matters and work with some supervision and mentoring within the team.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities – Grade E
- Assist the Head of Service, Legal Services Manager and Team Leader in advising and assisting Members and Officers principally on civil litigation, housing and homelessness matters to ensure that the Councils act in accordance with the law.
- Personally provide, or facilitate the provision of, comprehensive, practical and solution‑focused legal advice for officers and councillors of the Councils, including the Management Team and Cabinets.
- Prepare for and represent or secure representation for the Councils at any court, tribunal or inquiry as necessary.
- Manage and deliver effectively a personal caseload of legal matters, including those of a complex and/or sensitive nature.
- Comply with the Councils’ constitution and policies and, where required, to seal documents accordingly.
- Contribute to the provision of an effective, efficient, value‑for‑money legal service including the provision of legal advice and support for external clients.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities – Grade F
- Assist the Head of Service, Legal Services Manager and Team Leader in advising and assisting Members and Officers principally on civil litigation, housing and homelessness matters to ensure that the Councils act in accordance with the law.
- Personally provide, or facilitate the provision of, comprehensive, practical and solution‑focused legal advice for officers and councillors of the Councils, including the Management Team and Cabinets.
- Secure representation for the Councils at any court, tribunal or inquiry as necessary. Draft routine summons/claims using precedents and templates.
- Represent the Councils at preliminary court hearings, such as directions hearings.
- Manage and deliver effectively a personal caseload of legal matters including those of a sensitive nature.
- Comply with the Councils’ constitution and policies and, where required, to seal documents accordingly.
- Contribute to the provision of an effective, efficient, value‑for‑money legal service including the provision of legal advice and support for external clients.
What You’ll Need – Grade E
- Thorough knowledge of the law relating to civil litigation, public sector housing law and homelessness.
- Post‑qualification experience and willingness to conduct advocacy in person in courts, tribunals or council meetings (Grade E).
- Attention to detail and the ability to write and present lucid reports.
- Effective communicator, both in writing and verbally, with good organisational and administrative skills.
- Ability to understand the client’s motivations and goals and provide legal advice in a practical, solution‑focused way.
What You’ll Need – Grade F
- Some knowledge of the law relating to civil litigation, public sector housing law and homelessness.
- Experience of conducting advocacy in person in courts, tribunals or council meetings or willingness to develop those skills.
- Attention to detail and the ability to write and present lucid reports.
- Effective communicator, both in writing and verbally, with good organisational and administrative skills.
- Ability to understand the client’s motivations and goals and provide legal advice in a practical, solution‑focused way.
Right To Work
Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence could be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your experience. Where plagiarism is identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by AI, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal applicants may be subject to disciplinary action.
Interview Format
All interviews for this position will be held face to face, as we believe this offers the best experience for candidates and panel members.
Application Deadline
Applications will close at midnight on 11th May 2026.
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