• Responsible for the delivery of highest quality outcomes and effective legal advice to clients – including the Cabinet, Committees, other Council bodies and elected Members.

• To ensure the legal services provided are cost effective and meet the principles of good governance in decision-making.

• Support the development and delivery of relevant strategies, policies and departmental projects that secure the achievement of key council and service objectives.

• To deliver a high quality, sustainable legal service that complies with the statutory framework and meets the Council’s statutory and contractual obligations.

• Advising and attending Committees and sub-committees, advising members and Chief Officers and frequently advising the Departments in relation to the Law in matters specifically relating to the work of the section.

• Devising and implementing new methods, forms and procedures as required by new legislation, revised council policy or generally including the review of changes imposed in relation to specific services.

• Determining the effect of new legislation and advising specifically on the impact of new legislation on the delivery of the council’s services or functions.

• Preparing reports and comments for reports to council, cabinet committees and sub-committees.

• Attendance at departmental working groups, steering panels and project group meetings to provide advice.

• To support the working practices and procedures for the services provided.

• To work with the Head of Team, Senior Lawyers and Lawyers to ensure a consistent and holistic approach to the delivery of services. 

• To draft documents and prepare pleadings.

• Preparation and processing of all legal documents, including agreements, deeds, notices, orders, consents, byelaws relevant to the work of the council.

• Presentation of cases before courts and tribunals where the postholder has a right of audience on all matters in relation to the work of the council.

• Responding to legal questions received from members of the council, members of Parliament, the ombudsman and external organisations within a specific area of activity and under the supervision of the Senior Lawyer.

• To undertake the review of files under the guidance of the senior Lawyer, organise meetings and take notes of meetings.

• To support and advise at meetings, working parties and officer groups as required.

• To maintain good governance in managing own caseload of complex work under minimal supervision.

• Co-ordinate research upon legal questions arising from the work of team including, where necessary, briefing Lawyers/or Counsel.

• Assist with negotiating and concluding contractual arrangements with Solicitors, Barristers, Valuers and Land Agents, and external agencies.

• To ensure continuous improvements within the area of expertise, and that the service is responsive to the changing environment.

• To maintain the improvement in equal opportunities in employment and service delivery.

• To undertake other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the post.

• An admitted Solicitor of England and Wales, with a current practicing certificate or eligible to apply for a practicing certificate, with 3 years post admission experience or  a  Barrister called to the bar of England and Wales with 3 years post call experience or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with a current practicing certificate or eligible to apply for a practicing certificate  or a qualified lawyer possessing an equivalent qualification gained in another jurisdiction, with 3 years’ post qualification experience.

• Evidence of continuing professional development.

• A thorough practical understanding of local government law and the impact of human rights and equalities legislation.

• Knowledge of the law in relation to a broad range of general civil litigation relevant to the work of the Council. 

• Knowledge of the Data Protection and Freedom of Information as it applies to Local Government.

• Knowledge of Local Government and its services.

• Understanding in good governance arrangements, to maintain democratic legitimacy of the Council’s work to support effective decision making.

• At least 2 years’ experience of working in general civil litigation in at least some of the following areas:

• landlord and tenant disputes (commercial and residential), commercial debt recovery, contractual disputes, disputes arising from non-payment of community care charges, inquests, injunctions, disputes arising from legislation relating to electronic communications and the attendant Code/regulations, on complex national non – domestic rate and council tax disputes/issues, Judicial Review claims, building safety and enforcement.

• Some experience of undertaking advocacy in the courts and Tribunals.

• Experience of managing own caseload.

• Success in building and sustaining effective relationships with stakeholders.

• Experience of case management systems.

• Experience of working within a performance management framework and achieving agreed targets and outcomes.

• To debate legal points in a logical, pragmatic and impartial way.

• Ability to use a range of information and communication technology effectively.

• Ability to communicate clearly, orally and in writing, including the ability to produce non-standard reports/letters.

• Ability to use initiative to achieve set deadlines and manage conflicting priorities.

• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and to use discretion in dealing with sensitive information.

• Ability to deal with clients professionally and diplomatically.

• Ability to analyse complex information and provide successful resolution.

• “Can do” positive attitude.

• Demonstrates a commitment to changing work practices and processes and a willingness to try new ways of working or thinking.

• Takes responsibility and delivers results.

• Adapts to changing demands to ensure that objectives are met, overcoming problems and making well considered decisions.

• Team working.

• Acts as a role model to others in the team, sharing knowledge and experience, when necessary, whilst respecting and valuing the contribution other team members’ experiences can bring.

• Demonstrates well developed written and verbal communication skills and the confidence to present reports and verbal accounts credibly to a variety of different audiences.

• Develops contacts and relationships with customer/client groups, regularly reviewing service delivery and taking responsibility to ensure quality service provision.

• Must be willing to work outside office hours during the week and at weekends, as dictated by the requirements of the service.