Employment Specialist Solicitor

Provide timely and effective specialist legal advice to elected members, including committees and to Directors, senior managers and officers across both authorities as part of a team of lawyers, and to any other clients of the Shared Legal Service.
Be responsible for providing innovative solutions to deal with complex issues arising in connection with the work within the team and the legal issues presented by clients.
Manage a large caseload of wide-ranging work within two of the above specialisms , including but not limited to; drafting legal letters, legal agreements, deeds, notices, orders, consents byelaws as well as negotiating agreements, settlements and such matters, managing competing demands and meeting deadlines and the requirements of the Shared Legal Service.
Where relevant, to prepare and process all matters relevant to any proceedings before a court, arbitration, mediation or public inquiry and to attend such as the client's advocate or, if appropriate, select and instruct appropriate external legal representation.
Work proactively to maintain and improve the relationship with the clients of the Shared Legal Service.
Supervise, and be responsible for the work of, junior staff as required and to provide management and leadership to the staff working on their cases.
Undertake duties on behalf of the Monitoring Officer for all five authorities.
Keep clients informed of new legislation and case law relevant to their operations, including training seminars where appropriate and to ensure that they maintain a sound application of legal requirements.
Advise upon, draft and approve committee reports in respect of cases and legal issues.
Attend as the sole representative in order to advise and provide legal services to elected members at council Cabinets, Committees and Panels as are required.

Qualified solicitor or chartered legal executive or equivalent legal experience with a background in local government
Good knowledge of relevant legislation to the service area and the decision-making processes and procedures
Good understanding of current issues and best practice on service delivery relevant to the service areas
Good communication skills, both orally and in writing and good numeracy and analytical skills
Ability to provide visible support and leadership which empowers, enables and develops staff to achieve results
Ability to work under pressure and respond efficiently to the changing needs of the clients
Ability to be able to travel to attend client officers or courts wherever the client's case is being considered

Qualification details and any other experience/skills relevant to the role to help support your application should be clearly shown in your CV.

Due to the number of CVs being sent to us unfortunately we cannot respond to all applications. If you have not heard from us within 3 working days please assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion.