Senior Lawyer LBS-012

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: £26.04

This is not a remote based role and candidates would need to be able to get into our offices based at London Bridge . We can accommodate some remote working though for this particular role we do need someone who is prepared to be in the office full time for at least the first month and thereafter willing to work in the office at least 3 days a week with the option of up to 2 days at home if they wish. The role is based in the housing litigation section of the team. The team deals with a litigation and advisory case load of homelessness matters (statutory appeals under the Housing Act 1996, issues arising from the provision of temporary accommodation and JR of decisions), general council secure tenancy housing management issues (Housing Act 1985), possession of secure tenancies including breach of secure tenancy conditions, disputed succession claims, unauthorised occupancy, possession on fraud related grounds and injunctions. Team members also advise on aspects of relevant council housing policy and procedures. The role does NOT require conduct of housing disrepair cases, possession on rent arrears only grounds, long leasehold management litigation, litigation involving private rented property or commercial property or anti-social behaviour housing injunctions, though knowledge or previous experience of such work would be useful. We require an experienced local authority housing lawyer who has substantial experience of the types of work undertaken by the team, experience of advising on local housing authority decision making including judicial review challenges. The candidate should also understand have practical experience of the working of the public sector equality duty. Some knowledge of building safety legislation and its application to occupied higher risk residential buildings would be an advantage . Must be able to work with minimum supervision, proactively problem solving, willing and able to provide legal guidance to others, work collaboratively with other lawyers in the team and cross work with lawyers in other legal teams as required. Must be customer focussed, IT literate, record chargeable time to target, experienced in use of electronic legal case management systems, able to undertake own legal research, communicate effectively orally and in writing appropriate to audience, competent in drafting legal documents and have excellent knowledge of law in the field and court rules.

Responsibilities

1. To lead and manage a team of lawyers delivering a high quality, sustainable legal service that complies with the statutory framework and meets the council’s statutory and contractual obligations, provide leadership, continued professional development and performance management and monitor the chargeable hour’s targets for the team.

• To co-ordinate business driven working practices and procedures for the services provided.

• To record the number of chargeable hours required for the post and maintain files in accordance with Lexcel requirements and the Office procedure Manual.

• To work collaboratively with heads of team, specialist lawyers and other senior lawyers to ensure a consistent and holistic approach to the delivery of services.

• To handle personally a caseload of more complex matters including conduct of cases in courts and tribunals; within a specialist field of practice, providing advocacy and leading departmental projects.

• Provide professional expertise within the area of specialism, involving complex legal argument and advice on risk and management strategies.

Knowledge, including educational qualifications:

1. 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.

2. Knowledge of the law in relation the following areas: Social Housing law, policy and litigation; Local Government and Administrative law.

3. A thorough practical understanding of local government law and the impact of human rights and equalities legislation and the law in relation to Data Protection and Freedom of Information.

4. Evidence of continuing professional development.

Experience:

1. Extensive experience of the law within the relevant specialist area, including conducting a case load of more complex cases or projects

2. Experience of drafting advice notes/briefings for clients which are clear and concise, and legal documents, including pleadings, and agreements.

3. Experience of managing or supervising legal staff in either the public or private sector; monitoring, supporting, directing and delegating appropriately the work activity of others.

4. Success in building, and sustaining effective relationships with colleagues, clients and external contacts and negotiating.