West Northamptonshire Council
Senior Litigation Lawyer (Criminal)

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Join Our Legal Team at West Northants Council
** Would you like to join a local authority where you can progress your legal career and be supported to excel professionally?**
If so, join the Legal Team at West Northants Council, one of the newest and fourth biggest Unitary Councils in England.
Role Overview
We are looking for a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with at least two years’ post-qualification experience in areas such as:
- Local government law
- Prosecutions
- Regulatory law
- General litigation
Ideal candidates are proactive, organised, and thrive in fast-paced environments.
What You Will Be Doing
You’ll take a leading role in delivering high-quality criminal and regulatory litigation for the Council. Responsibilities include:
- Managing a varied caseload at a trusted senior level within the organisation
- Acting as an in-house advocate to represent the Council in courts and tribunals
- Advising Members and senior officers and providing clear legal guidance at committee meetings
- Supporting the Principal Lawyer and contributing to the development of the legal team
- Helping shape a modern, flexible legal service that supports:
- Personal growth
- Long-term career progression
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
You’ll need to demonstrate experience and confidence in:
- Leadership in complex litigation – Managing matters from start to resolution
- Clear communication – Connecting with diverse stakeholders
- Solution-focused advice – Integrating advocacy with practical guidance
- Collaboration and resilience – Thriving in a supportive, high-performing environment that values:
- Flexibility
- Professional development
- Meaningful impact through public service
About Us
At West Northants Council, we are driven by our people – those who embrace ambition, innovation, and a commitment to details while driving change.
Our Vision
"To make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit, and thrive."


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Our Corporate Values – THRIVE
These values (Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate, Empower) guide our work and service delivery.
For more insights, watch our Chief Executive, Anna Earnshaw, discuss what it's like to work at West Northants Council.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We ensure dei is embedded in everything we do to enable all colleagues to maximise their potential.
Learn more about how DEI is important to us from our colleagues here.
We are a:
- Disability Confident employer
- Member of the Armed Forces Covenant
- Care Leaver Covenant partner
Want support or reasonable adjustments?
If you need any support during the application process, including alternative formats or translations, please email:
West Northants Council – where careers thrive.
Apply now and take the next step in an exciting, impactful legal career!
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