Legal Officer (Social Care Legal)

You will work closely supporting the Principal Legal officers to undertake legal professional work, primarily in the area of Children's Social Care law, The role includes amongst other tasks; taking statements from witnesses, drafting court and other documents, issuing and serving applications, attending at court with Counsel, undertaking legal research, dealing with correspondence and communication from CSWS, solicitors, the court, CAFCASS and other professional colleagues, gathering and collating evidence and redacting the same., Job purpose to undertake legal work for and on behalf of Social Care Legal, including where appropriate, advocacy and preparation for hearings. Some clerical duties may also be required. To carry out legal work primarily within the team and section named above but the post holder could be required to carry out work within other teams or sections in Legal Services. Responsibilities

• To give written and oral advice as appropriate.
• To assist Officers in Legal Services with legal work
• Drafting documents - including drafting, issuing and serving Court documents.
• Preparing cases for hearing in Courts, including drafting letters, taking witness statements, collating and redacting evidence, arranging for the attendance of witnesses at Court and preparing Instructions to Counsel.
• Attendance at Courts with Counsel.
• To undertake legal research.
• Post-Court work to inform Clients of outcomes.
• Maintaining and operating computerised systems.
• Dealing with enquiries/correspondence from external solicitors, the court and other agencies.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
  
  As a Legal Officer (C3), you will bring to the role:
• good interpersonal skills,
• ability to prioritise your own workload,
• draft court documents,
• attend court with counsel and work to tight court deadlines,
• be able to work as part of a team and be flexible, enthusiastic and committed.
• the academic qualification
( 2 A-levels (grade A-C), or paralegal qualification (e.g., affiliate member of CILEX with 5 level 3 units) or equivalent qualification; or, 4 GCSEs (grade A-C) and 12 months experience of working within a legal environment within the last 5 years).

Leeds City Council is a progressive authority which works closely with local communities and businesses to create a vibrant and economically thriving city. We serve an outstanding Children's & Families Department, and seek a legal officer to be based in the Social Care Legal section. Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

The role is integral to our Social Care Legal team. You will be supported by an experienced team of Principal Legal Officers, Legal Officers and Legal Assistants; with supervision and management by a Team Leader. What we offer you We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further