Job Description

Qualified Solicitors / Legal Executives - Criminal and Regulatory Law
Permanent, Full Time
48,898 to 57,526 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style:
Join Our Dynamic Legal Team at Essex County Council!
Are you passionate about Criminal and Regulatory Law?
Do you aspire to become an in-house Counsel? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We are currently recruiting a Lawyer to be part of a specialist Criminal and Enforcement law section within the Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Team.
This position will involve handling a full caseload consisting of contentious and non-contentious criminal and enforcement matters including, but not limited to:

• Planning Enforcement Notices and Prosecutions
• Highways Enforcement Notices and Prosecutions
• Prosecutions on behalf of Essex Trading Standards

Why Essex County Council?

• Diverse and Impactful Work: We serve 1.5 million people, a 1.7 billion estate and tackle a wide range of interesting and complex legal challenges and projects.
• Supportive Team Environment: Join a brilliant team of lawyers who are dedicated to making a difference. New joiners rave about the interesting work and the support they receive.
• In-House Expertise: Most of our work is done in-house, providing you with a rich and varied experience.

What We're Looking For

• Solicitors or CILEX Professionals: Specialising or wanting to specialise in Regulatory and Criminal Enforcement.
• Adaptable and Eager Learners: A qualified solicitor, barrister or Chartered Legal Executive ideally with a minimum of 2 years' post-qualification (although less than 2 years' post qualification will also be considered) and a member of the appropriate professional body. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential.
• Client-Facing Skills: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively serve our community.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the freedom to work from home while still benefiting from in-person collaboration in our Chelmsford offices. This is a full time position however part time applications will also be considered.
• Generous Time Off: Start with 27 days of holiday, increasing with service, plus 8 bank holidays and up to 4 paid volunteer days each year.
• Secure Your Future: Enjoy peace of mind with enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Professional Growth: We cover professional fees for approved professions, supporting your career development.

About Essex Legal Service (ELS)
ELS is the in-house legal service at Essex County Council, offering comprehensive legal advice on all public sector matters. Our work is diverse and engaging, and we invite you to join our dynamic team.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in . With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government's devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about ) on our careers site.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Once you've secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the , including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email
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Skills Required