Lawyer LBS-011 (Project)

Job Category : Legal

Location : 160 Tooley Street, Southwark Council

Hours Per Week :36.00

Start Date : Immediate Start

Start Time :09:00

End Time :17:00
Salary: £38.43

The work encompasses a broad range of general civil litigation and advisory work, including (but not limited to) landlord and tenant disputes (commercial and residential), commercial debt recovery, contractual disputes, disputes arising from non-payment of community care charges, inquests, injunctions, disputes relating to electronic communications, complex non–domestic rates and council tax disputes/issues, Judicial Review claims, and building safety.

The hybrid working situation is as indicated in the comments to the order – we require someone who is willing and able to work in the office for at least 3 days each week (team members may wfh up to 2 days each week – subject to team meetings and other service requirements, we are flexible on which days. Similarly subject to service requirements we can be flexible on start and finish times around core hours of 10am to 4pm). For induction we ask new starters to attend the office daily for the first couple of weeks – we find this the most efficient way of inducting to case management and other systems as there is direct access to colleagues, support and IT staff in the office daily.

1. Responsible for the delivery of highest quality outcomes and effective legal advice to clients – including the Cabinet, Committees, other Council bodies and elected Members.

2. To ensure the legal services provided are cost effective and meet the principles of good governance in decision-making.

3. Support the development and delivery of relevant strategies, policies and departmental projects that secure the achievement of key council and service objectives

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Responsibilities

4. To deliver a high quality, sustainable legal service that complies with the statutory framework and meets the Council’s statutory and contractual obligations.

5. Advising and attending Committees and sub-committees, advising members and Chief Officers and frequently advising the Departments in relation to the Law in matters specifically relating to the work of the section.

6. Devising and implementing new methods, forms and procedures as required by new legislation, revised council policy or generally including the review of changes imposed in relation to specific services.

7. Determining the effect of new legislation and advising specifically on the impact of new legislation on the delivery of the council’s services or functions.

8. Preparing reports and comments for reports to council, cabinet committees and sub-committees.

9. Attendance at departmental working groups, steering panels and project group meetings to provide advice.

10. To support the working practices and procedures for the services provided.

11. To work with the Head of Team, Senior Lawyers and Lawyers to ensure a consistent and holistic approach to the delivery of services.

An admitted Solicitor of England and Wales, with a current practising certificate or eligible to apply for a practising certificate, with 3 years post admission experience or a Barrister called to the bar of England and Wales with 3 years post call experience or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with a current practising certificate or eligible to apply for a practising certificate or a qualified lawyer possessing an equivalent qualification gained in another jurisdiction, with 3 years’ post qualification experience

Evidence of continuing professional development

A thorough practical understanding of local government law and the impact of human rights and equalities legislation

Knowledge of the law in relation to a broad range of general civil litigation relevant to the work of the Council.

Knowledge of the Data Protection and Freedom of Information as it applies to Local Government.

Knowledge of Local Government and its services.

Understanding in good governance arrangements, to maintain democratic legitimacy of the Council’s work to support effective decision making

Experience:

At least 2 years’ experience of working in general civil litigation in at least some of the following areas:

landlord and tenant disputes (commercial and residential), commercial debt recovery, contractual disputes, disputes arising from non-payment of community care charges, inquests, injunctions, disputes arising from legislation relating to electronic communications and the attendant Code/regulations, on complex national non – domestic rate and council tax disputes/issues, Judicial Review claims, building safety and enforcement.

Some experience of undertaking advocacy in the courts and Tribunals.

Experience of managing own caseload.

Success in building and sustaining effective relationships with stakeholders.

Experience of case management systems.

Experience of working within a performance management framework and achieving agreed targets and outcomes.

Aptitudes, Skills & Competencies:

To debate legal points in a logical, pragmatic and impartial way.

Ability to use a range of information and communication technology effectively.

Ability to communicate clearly, orally and in writing, including the ability to produce non-standard reports/letters

Ability to use initiative to achieve set deadlines and manage conflicting priorities.

Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and to use discretion in dealing with sensitive information.

Ability to deal with clients professionally and diplomatically.

Ability to analyse complex information and provide successful resolution.

“Can do” positive attitude

Demonstrates a commitment to changing work practices and processes and a willingness to try new ways of working or thinking.

Takes responsibility and delivers results

Adapts to changing demands to ensure that objectives are met, overcoming problems and making well considered decisions.

Team working

Acts as a role model to others in the team, sharing knowledge and experience when necessary, whilst respecting and valuing the contribution other team members’ experiences can bring.

Communication

Demonstrates well developed written and verbal communication skills and the confidence to present reports and verbal accounts credibly to a variety of different audiences.

Customer CareDevelops contacts and relationships with customer/client groups, regularly reviewing service delivery and taking responsibility to ensure quality service provision