Job Purpose
To provide high-quality legal advice, representation and services to the Council across a broad range of complex civil litigation and associated legal matters.
The post holder will manage a caseload autonomously, with minimal supervision, providing advice and representation in areas including planning enforcement, property litigation, contract disputes, housing litigation, judicial review, commercial litigation, employment matters and related areas. The role will include responsibility for the preparation and conduct of cases, advocacy where required, drafting legal documentation and reports, and providing advice on transactional and property matters.
The post holder will also contribute to the effective delivery and continual improvement of the Legal Service, support junior members of the team through mentoring and guidance, and work collaboratively with Council officers, Members, external legal advisers, Counsel and other relevant stakeholders.
- Manage a caseload of complex legal matters independently and with minimal supervision, ensuring work is completed to a high professional standard and in accordance with good legal practice.
- Provide legal advice and services across relevant areas of local government law, including civil litigation, planning enforcement, property, contracts, housing, judicial review, commercial and employment matters.
- Prepare all aspects of litigation and legal cases, including pleadings, statements, evidence, applications, correspondence, legal advice and associated documentation.
- Represent the Council and undertake advocacy where required before the Magistrates', County and High Courts, Tribunals, Inquiries and other appropriate forums.
- Represent and advise management in relation to internal appeals and employment-related matters.
- Provide legal advice, transactional support and drafting in relation to commercial property matters, including wayleaves, easements, leases, lease renewals, management matters and disposals.
- Advise on Open Spaces, community assets and relevant housing matters, including Right to Buy, shared ownership, acquisitions and lease extensions.
- Prepare and issue First Homes Scheme certifications and provide advice on associated legal requirements.
- Draft legal implications and advice for Committee and Member reports and attend relevant meetings during office hours.
- Instruct and manage external legal advisers and Counsel where appropriate, ensuring effective management of legal resources and costs.
- Assist Counsel with the preparation and presentation of cases before the Courts and other relevant forums.
- Maintain effective working relationships with Council officers, Members, residents, external solicitors, barristers, the judiciary and other public and private organisations.
- Provide mentoring, guidance and support to junior and other members of the Legal Team.
- Use case management systems effectively and contribute to the continual improvement and efficiency of the Legal Service.
- Ensure all work complies with Council policies, procedures, professional standards and relevant legal requirements.
- Maintain a valid practising certificate and comply with all applicable professional and regulatory requirements.
- Undertake other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the role as directed by the Interim Deputy Corporate Head of Law and Governance.
- Qualified solicitor with a current valid practising certificate.
- Current rights of audience appropriate to the requirements of the role.
- Valid SRA number.
- Substantial experience of working as a solicitor within a litigation or local government legal environment.
- Demonstrable experience of managing complex civil litigation matters with a high degree of autonomy.
- Experience across relevant areas such as planning enforcement, property litigation, contract disputes, housing litigation, judicial review, commercial litigation and/or employment law.
- Strong experience in preparing and conducting legal cases, including advocacy and representation before Courts, Tribunals or other relevant forums.
- Experience of providing clear, practical and commercially aware legal advice to officers, management and Members.
- Experience of drafting legal documents, reports, agreements, correspondence and legal advice.
- Knowledge and understanding of local government legal frameworks, procedures and governance requirements.
- Ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise competing demands and work effectively to deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation and advocacy skills.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication with colleagues and clients.
- Ability to manage relationships with external legal advisers and Counsel effectively.
- Commitment to professional standards, confidentiality, integrity and high-quality client service.
- Ability to mentor and support less experienced colleagues.
- Hours per week: 32 hours (part-time hours from 26 hours per week may be accommodated)
- Location: Addlestone, with office attendance ideally twice per week in the first instance, including the monthly team meeting on a Tuesday; attendance days to be agreed and generally flexible.
- Bi-Weekly Payments
