3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

The Solicitor will provide a high-quality legal service to the Council, delivering professional legal advice, support, representation and documentation within their area of expertise. The post holder will provide clear and practical legal guidance, assess legal risks and support Council departments in achieving their objectives in an efficient, effective and cost-conscious manner.

Working as part of the Legal Services team, the Solicitor will manage a caseload of legal matters, undertake legal research, prepare and negotiate legal documentation, represent the Council in proceedings and provide advice to officers, Members and external stakeholders.

The role requires the development of effective working relationships across the Council and with external partners, ensuring legal advice is accurate, timely, proportionate and aligned with legislation, professional standards and Council priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, timely and practical legal advice, representation and support to Council officers and Members on a range of legal matters.
• Manage a personal caseload of files, ensuring effective case management and progression of legal matters.
• Conduct legal research, analyse legislation, case law, evidence and documentation to identify solutions and provide appropriate legal advice.
• Review and interpret complex information and evidence provided by client departments and external parties.
• Represent the Council in legal proceedings, including hearings, appeals, tribunals and other formal processes where required.
• Draft, negotiate and complete legal documentation, agreements, contracts and other legal materials.
• Provide specialist legal advice within relevant areas, including property, planning, regeneration, development, commercial matters and related local government functions.
• Advise officers on planning and development matters, including planning procedures, enforcement, appeals, public inquiries, development agreements and statutory obligations.
• Provide legal advice relating to property matters, including acquisitions, disposals, leases, licences, landlord and tenant matters, covenants, easements and property transactions.
• Support the preparation of legal cases for public inquiries, appeals and hearings, including instructing Counsel where required.
• Advise on regeneration projects, land transactions, joint ventures and commercial property matters.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including local government, planning, property and constitutional requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, regulations, case law, policy developments and professional guidance relevant to the role.
• Use legal case management systems, templates and departmental procedures effectively.
• Provide advice and support at internal and external meetings, including Committees, Cabinet, working groups and partnership meetings.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Council departments, senior officers, elected Members and external organisations.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of professional standards within Legal Services.
• Support and mentor trainee solicitors, legal assistants and legal support officers where required.
• Participate in team meetings, briefings, training, supervision and performance development activities.
• Ensure confidentiality and appropriate handling of sensitive information, including secure electronic storage, encryption and redaction of documentation.
• Complete mandatory training requirements, including data protection, equality and diversity and other Council learning requirements.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion throughout all areas of legal practice.
• Protect the reputation of the Council through professional, responsive and high-quality legal support.
• Support continuous improvement of legal processes, procedures and service delivery.
• Participate in emergency response arrangements and undertake urgent legal work outside normal working hours where required.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role, grade and level of responsibility.