Locum Corporate Lawyer – Basildon Borough Council

About The Role

Locum Corporate Lawyer - Basildon Borough Council

Basildon Borough Council

Temporary (3 months), Full Time

£60 per hour (umbrella)

Location: Basildon

Closing Date: 10th September 2026

Role Purpose

The objective of the Legal Service is to provide a highly efficient and cost-effective legal service to facilitate the lawful exercise of the Council’s functions and the achievement of its policies and objectives and at all times to safeguard the interests of the Council and propriety in the exercise of its functions.

Some activities of the service are carried out in fee-earning teams responsible for litigation, regeneration, property and contracts work under the overall supervision of the Head of Legal Services.

Our approach to the practice of law is based on a friendly and open style of working and a determination to avoid unnecessary complexity. We are committed to achieving the objectives of our clients by finding solutions to their problems in a professional, courteous and efficient manner. We believe in an innovative and energetic approach to the practice of law, placing particular emphasis on personal service, speed of response, value for money, accessibility and the highest standards of professional excellence.

This is a role suitable for those who are qualified as a solicitor/barrister/Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.

The post holder will be accountable to the Principal Lawyer (Corporate) (who is accountable to the Head of Legal Services, and who will be responsible for allocating work and supervising. The post holder will also be expected to provide assistance to the Principal Lawyers and Head of Legal Services as necessary.

Duties

• At this stage the post-holder would be expected to undertake all of the below functions without assistance
• Undertake legal and, where necessary, commercial research and provide advice to the Council, including Members as appropriate, on casework and other issues, interpretation of new and existing legislation and case law including their effect on the implementation of Council policy as required. Evaluate and advise on the effect of such matters on implementation of casework and progression of projects.

Prioritise caseload and self-monitor progress of work, subject to any overriding instruction from a team manager to ensure that work is completed within set timescales or to Council requirements and, where applicable, in accordance with time limits imposed by statute.

Undertake a proactive and committed approach towards the Council’s best value ethos and Corporate Plan.

As above the Post holder will be predominantly performing the following duties:

• Corporate
• Drafting particulars of claim, statements of case and information as required
• The preparation of cases for presentation in civil and criminal courts and at public inquiries/tribunals. Advising as appropriate so as to ensure that the Council’s case is capable of being effectively presented.
• Acting as advocate in cases in the Magistrates Court, County Court, High Court and at public inquiries and tribunals as directed.
• Defending legal proceedings brought against the Council as required including judicial review, statutory appeals or other legal challenges.
• Securing the recovery of costs where the Council is successful in complex litigation, which may involve detailed assessments.
• Provide advice on general litigation matters including governance.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge And Experience

• Professionally qualified – Solicitor/Barrister/Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives CILEx
• Evidence of CPD
• At least 3 year’s post-qualification experience of undertaking the duties within the job description and have the appropriate CILEx /Solicitor/Barrister qualification
• Fulfils person specification for Fellow Legal Executive/Lawyer role as set out under duties in the job description
• Detailed knowledge of the law in at least one of the following areas:
• civil litigation
• housing
• anti-social behaviour
• licensing
• employment

Arrives punctually for work and meetings

Demonstrates commitment to the organisation

Complies with legal obligations and safety requirement of the role

Adapts to changing circumstances

Accepts new ideas and change initiatives

Adapts interpersonal style to suit different people or situations

Shows respect and sensitivity towards cultural and religious differences

Deals with ambiguity, making positive use of the opportunities it presents

Why choose Basildon Council?

Basildon Borough Council is one of the largest local authorities in the East of England region and serves a population of approximately 172,000 people. The town of Basildon is regarded as a key economic hub with the main areas of employment being engineering, research and development, distribution and financial services. Basildon is also the second biggest economy in the Thames Gateway, outside of Canary Wharf.

Working for Basildon Borough Council means making a practical and positive difference to the lives of people living and working in the Borough and provides a fulfilling career.

Each of our employees - whatever job role they are undertaking - can feel motivated by having a unique opportunity to use their skills to make Basildon a better place to live. Whether it is conserving our countryside, by regenerating our Borough, by housing our residents or by collecting the refuse on time.

Note: ECC are advertising this role on behalf of Basildon Council.

Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors and volunteers to share its commitment to prevent abuse, harm or exploitation.

The Council applies a robust recruitment vetting process. If you are successful you will need to undergo a Pre-employment Vetting Procedure.

What You Should Do Next

If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email essexsharedservices@essex.gov.uk