Job Purpose
The Solicitor will provide a comprehensive, high-quality legal service to the Council, delivering specialist legal advice, representation and support across matters within their area of expertise. The post holder will provide clear, practical and timely legal guidance, helping the Council manage legal risk, make informed decisions and achieve its objectives in a modern, efficient and cost-effective way.
Working as part of the Legal Services team, the Solicitor will provide professional advice and assistance to Council departments, elected Members and external stakeholders where appropriate. The role requires the ability to interpret complex legislation, assess risk, provide solutions to legal issues and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external partners.
The post holder will manage their own caseload, conduct legal research, prepare legal documentation, represent the Council in proceedings and contribute to the continuous improvement and development of the legal service.
- Provide accurate, timely and practical legal advice, guidance and support to Council officers and Members on a range of routine and complex legal matters.
- Manage a personal caseload of legal files, ensuring effective case progression, risk management and successful outcomes aligned with Council objectives.
- Conduct legal research and analyse legislation, case law, evidence and relevant information to provide sound legal advice and solutions.
- Review and assess complex documentation and evidence provided by client departments and external parties.
- Represent the Council in legal proceedings, including advocacy where appropriate, in courts, tribunals and other formal hearings.
- Draft, negotiate and complete legal documentation, agreements and other formal documents as required.
- Provide advice and support in relation to relevant areas of law, including Adults, Children’s Services, Education, Social Care and related public law matters where applicable.
- Advise on legislation including the Children Act 1989, Adoption and Children Act 2002, Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health Act 1983, SEND legislation and other relevant statutory frameworks.
- Provide legal advice and support in relation to safeguarding, care proceedings, Court of Protection matters, EHCP processes, tribunals and judicial review matters where required.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, regulations, case law, professional guidance and policy developments relevant to the role.
- Ensure legal advice and documentation comply with professional standards, Council procedures and relevant governance requirements.
- Use legal case management systems, templates and processes effectively to support efficient service delivery.
- Provide advice at internal and external meetings, including Committees, Cabinet, working groups and partnership meetings.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with client departments, senior officers, elected Members, external organisations and partner agencies.
- Support the development of trainee solicitors, legal assistants and legal support officers through mentoring, guidance and knowledge sharing.
- Participate in team meetings, briefings, training, supervision and performance development activities.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of legal processes, policies and service delivery standards.
- Maintain confidentiality and ensure appropriate handling, encryption and redaction of sensitive information in accordance with data protection requirements.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion within all aspects of legal service delivery.
- Protect and promote the reputation of the Council through professional and effective legal support.
- Participate in emergency response arrangements and undertake urgent legal work where required.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role, grade and level of responsibility.
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX/FILEx) with a current practising certificate.
- Admission to the relevant professional regulatory body.
- Substantial knowledge and experience within the relevant area(s) of law.
- Strong understanding of local government legal frameworks, governance processes and decision-making arrangements.
- Knowledge and experience of relevant legislation, including where applicable:
- Children Act 1989.
- Adoption and Children Act 2002.
- Care Act 2014.
- Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- Mental Health Act 1983.
- SEND legislation and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) processes.
- Court of Protection procedures.
- Relevant public law, safeguarding and social care legislation.
- Understanding of the political environment within local government and the implications for legal advice and decision-making.
- Significant experience providing legal advice within a public sector, local authority or comparable environment.
- Experience managing a caseload and conducting legal matters independently.
- Experience drafting legal documents, agreements and formal correspondence.
- Experience representing clients in legal proceedings, tribunals or court hearings.
- Experience advising senior officers and stakeholders on complex legal issues.
- Experience working under pressure, managing competing priorities and meeting tight deadlines.
- Experience providing clear and concise written and verbal legal advice tailored to different audiences.
- Experience supporting and mentoring junior colleagues would be desirable.
- Excellent analytical, research and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex legal issues.
- Ability to provide balanced, practical and commercially aware legal advice.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal matters clearly.
- Ability to work independently, manage workload effectively and exercise sound judgement.
- Ability to identify, assess and communicate legal risks.
- Ability to build effective relationships with officers, Members, partner organisations and external stakeholders.
- Ability to draft clear, accurate and legally robust documentation.
- Ability to adapt legal advice to meet the operational needs and objectives of Council departments.
- Commitment to maintaining professional standards and continuous learning.
Location: Council offices and other locations as required
Hours per week: Full Time Hours
Bi-Weekly Payments
