Lawyer

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we're driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That's why, when you join us as a Lawyer, you'll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

You can join us as either a Grade 6 or Grade 7 Lawyer depending on your experience in the following disciplines: highways law, planning law or commercial law

Join our dynamic Commercial, Highways, Planning and Property Team, where you'll embark on an exciting legal journey filled with diverse challenges and opportunities for growth. As a skilled Lawyer, you'll have the chance to manage your caseload, primarily focusing on highways, planning, and commercial law matters. However, the role extends beyond that, allowing you to support our wider team and develop a well-rounded skillset with the guidance of experienced professionals.

In the commercial realm, you'll provide valuable advisory services related to contracts, grant agreements, procurement, collaboration agreements with public bodies, and intellectual property matters. Your expertise will play a crucial role in navigating these intricate legal landscapes.

When it comes to highways and planning, you'll tackle advisory work encompassing highways and public rights of way agreements, orders, powers, duties, and enforcement under the Highways Act 1980 and related legislation. Additionally, you'll delve into traffic management orders and powers under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, planning applications, Section 106 agreements, enforcement under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and other matters such as local land charges, commons, village greens, and flood and water management.

Collaboration is at the heart of our team, and you'll have the opportunity to work closely with client officers, building lasting and rewarding relationships that truly make a difference within the organisation. Your contributions will be valued, and you'll be supported by a dedicated team of caseworkers, ensuring efficient case handling and fostering professional development.,

• We advise and represent the council on a broad range of property transactions and areas, including disposals, acquisitions, leases, licences, tenancies at will, easements, adverse possession and title investigations.


• We provide commercial legal advice including drafting and reviewing contracts, grant funding agreements and agreements with other public bodies, supporting the Council's procurement team and advising on intellectual property queries


• We regularly discuss our cases and legal developments, and build in time for supporting and developing each other, sharing knowledge and ideas, and celebrating success.


• Our office days are usually on Mondays and Wednesdays, though there are times when additional presence in the office may be needed, for example to meet client officers or other parties involved in our cases.


Empowering Everyone

We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We aim to include all communities we serve in our representation. To achieve this, we encourage applications from everyone., Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template and please let us know which level role you are applying for.

1 - How would you ensure that the service you provide meets the needs of the client?

2 - Client care and relationships are important to these roles. Please comment on how your communication style may differ when communicating to key players both inside and outside of the organisation?

3 - As a Lawyer in the legal department you will be expected to provide legal advice within your specialist area. Please provide an example of a time you were required to make decisions using your initiative and professional judgement?

4 - As a Lawyer in the legal department you will be expected to provide legal advice within your specialist area. Please provide an example of a complex case that you have dealt with - how did you approach it and what was the outcome?

5 - As a Grade 7 you will be expected to take on a line management role of Paralegals and Caseworkers. How would you approach this responsibility? How would you ensure the training and development of those that you line manage?

If you're seeking a dynamic and rewarding legal career where you can showcase your skills in highways law, planning law and commercial law and grow as a well-rounded professional, this role is the perfect fit. Join us and embark on an exciting journey where your expertise will be valued, and your potential will be nurtured.,
• to be a qualified solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive (Fellow) with full rights of audience


• honours degree (preferably in law), or significant experience as a Lawyer., to be a qualified solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive (Fellow) with full rights of audience


• 3+ years' post-qualification experience and be able to demonstrate relevant legal skills and ability in the designated legal discipline(s)


• honours degree (preferably in law), or 3+ years experience as a Lawyer.


Both roles

• enthusiasm for solving legal problems, and a practical, strategic approach to advice


• research, analysis and communication skills


• ability to manage and process high volumes of documentation and information, to drive clear advice and effective case management


• awareness of the political, reputational and financial factors bearing on the council's decision-making


• to bring your own values, experience and insights to enhance the team and help develop the department as a whole.
  
  G6 £38,223 or G7 £50,830 per annum (pro rata if part time)


• 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available


• Permanent, As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.


In return, you'll enjoy:


• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days


• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)


• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits


• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase


• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge


• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation


• diverse and active staff networks


• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day


• plus more!