Welcome to Team NPT

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37 Full Time

Working Style: Agile Hybrid

Are you a qualified Solicitor or Barrister looking for a role that offers challenging legal work, genuine variety and the opportunity to make a real difference to local communities?

At Team NPT, we are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Employment and Litigation Solicitor/Barrister to join our highly respected Legal and Democratic Services Team. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority, working on a diverse caseload that combines specialist employment law with wider litigation matters.

As a key member of our Litigation Team, you will provide high-quality legal advice and representation across a broad range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. You will work closely with senior managers, elected members and services across the Council, delivering pragmatic, solution-focused legal advice that supports the delivery of vital public services.

The successful candidate will be responsible for –

• Providing expert legal advice on employment law matters including disciplinary and grievance issues, policies and procedures, workforce change and employment disputes.
• Representing the Council in Employment Tribunals, County Courts, hearings, inquiries, negotiations and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Managing a busy and diverse caseload of contentious and non-contentious employment and litigation matters.

The main duties of the post;

• Draft pleadings, witness statements, legal agreements, reports and other legal documentation.
• Advising on dispute avoidance strategies and legal risk management.
• Supporting the wider Litigation Team across a range of local government matters.
• Researching and interpreting legislation, case law and legal developments, ensuring services receive accurate and timely advice.
• Building strong working relationships with colleagues, managers and stakeholders across the organisation.

You will have experience in/of;

• Employment law, litigation and legal advocacy.
• Providing clear, practical and commercially aware legal advice.
• An effective communicator with excellent drafting, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Able to analyse complex issues and provide proportionate, solution-focused advice.
• Organised and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining high professional standards.
• Committed to delivering high-quality legal services and building positive working relationships.

Ideally you will be;

• A qualified Solicitor holding a current Practising Certificate, or
• A qualified Barrister registered at the Bar.

Previous local government experience would be beneficial but is not essential. We welcome applications from candidates looking to bring their expertise into a rewarding public sector environment.

If you think that you have the necessary experience and qualifications for this role, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact Mike Shaw (Principal Solicitor) on

Email:   m.shaw@npt.gov.uk

This is more than just a legal role. It is an opportunity to influence decision-making, support important services and contribute positively to the communities of Neath Port Talbot.

We offer:

• Agile hybrid working arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Career progression within a supportive legal team.
• Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Relocation Scheme (subject to eligibility).
• Access to a wide range of employee benefits and wellbeing support.

At Team NPT, our values of Connected, Collaborative, Caring and Confident underpin everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees can thrive and develop their careers.

If you are looking for a role that offers meaningful work, professional challenge and the chance to broaden your legal experience, we would love to hear from you.

DBS requirements:

This post is not subject to a DBS check

Welsh Language Requirements:

Welsh Language skills are not required

Additional Information:

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans.

In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council.  Applicants must meet the essential criteria for the post to qualify for this.  If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you.  Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.

At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot.

We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees.

We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.