Lawyer

Are you ready to put your legal expertise to work in a role that truly matters? Join our Legal Team where every day brings fresh challenges and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. As a Lawyer, you'll be at the forefront of diverse legal matters, from representing the council in all matters relating to criminal litigation, enforcement and inquests as an Enforcement Lawyer and from representing the council in all matters relating to children's law as a Safeguarding Lawyer. Your keen research abilities and exceptional drafting skills won't just be appreciated; they'll be essential as you become the crucial bridge between professionals and stakeholders. This isn't just about legal expertise; it's about communication mastery. You'll transform complex legal concepts into clear guidance, whether in writing or in person. You'll thrive in an environment where multiple cases demand your attention and precise prioritisation skills. Your expertise will extend to vital criminal enforcement and safeguarding matters, guiding the council through complex issues. You'll represent the council in proceedings while ensuring our policies remain legally sound and up to date. As an Enforcement lawyer, your will be acting on behalf of the Council on a range of matters, including planning, fire and rescue and trading standards. Your advocacy skills will also shine as you handle cases with precision and care. As a Safeguarding Lawyer, you will be expected to carry out a range of key responsibilities which will include managing a varied and interesting childcare caseload consisting of both pre-proceedings and applications before the Court, undertaking advocacy on behalf of the County Council and providing expert legal advice to the Council in respect of its duties and responsibilities in respect of children and young people, including those in respect of adoption. By joining our team, you'll deliver high-quality legal services while continuously developing your expertise in a supportive professional environment that values growth and excellence., We are an exciting and innovative legal team whose vision is always to provide high-quality legal services to the council and beyond. We provide a flexible and dynamic service, which is capable of responding quickly to new initiatives and changing priorities. We regularly discuss our cases and legal developments, and build in time for supporting and developing each other, sharing knowledge and ideas, and celebrating successes The Disputes Team handles an array of matters which arise from all departments of the council. We advise and represent the council on issues arising in the context of employment of council officers, including contracts, disciplinary and grievance processes, ill health and capability dismissal, TUPE, discrimination, and pensions. We conduct Tribunal proceedings, advise on the council's policies and procedures, and keep officers up to date on key legal developments. We deal with civil claims, including where the council is both claimant and defendant, and obligations arise in debt, contract, tort, statute, or public law. We conduct prosecutions arising from fraud and trading standards concerns, take action to protect property rights and enforce planning obligations, and advise and represent the council when it is involved in inquest proceedings. The Safeguarding team advise and represent children's services, providing legal advice to social workers and other professionals within the council. The team manage a varied and interesting childcare caseload consisting of both pre-proceedings and applications before the court, as well as undertaking advocacy at court on a range of child protection matters. We advise on the councils' policies and procedures, ensuring that the legal framework and statutory obligations are followed, as well as keeping officers up to date on key developments.

• To be a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive.
• Honours degree (preferably in law), or significant experience as a Lawyer.
• Post- graduate level qualification in law or equivalent experience (Desirable).
For the Grade 7 role, you will need:
• To be a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive.
• 3+ years of legal experience since qualification, and/or the ability to demonstrate relevant legal skills, ability and 3 years+ experience as a solicitor, barrister or legal executive, in the designated legal discipline(s).
• Honours degree (preferably in law), or 3+ year's experience as a Lawyer.
• Post-graduate level qualification in law or equivalent experience (Desirable).
For both roles you will need:
• The motivation to solve legal problems, and a practical, strategic approach to advice.
• Research, analysis and communication skills.
• The 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.
  
  Salary: £40,777 (Grade 6) or £53,788 (Grade 7) per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, Flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent, 2 positions
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.