Senior Legal Officer - Req24746

Job title: Senior Legal Officer (SO2) – General Litigation Team  

Salary: £34,834 - £36,648

Hours: 37 

Contract: Permanent       

Location: Civic Hall/wfh

As a Senior Legal Officer you will be a legal post graduate (or equivalent degree level qualification with experience) with a passion for litigation. The benefits of this post include a competitive salary, generous annual leave entitlement, training and development, flexible working, including working from home.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Senior Legal Officer you will bring to the role:

• Knowledge and experience of litigation, claims against trespassers, contract disputes, housing possession and breach of tenancy claims, boundary disputes.
• Ability to act as an advocate.
• Ability to work within time constraints and strict deadlines.
• Ability to work flexibly as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills.

About the role 

This is an opportunity to take responsibility for a varied and interesting caseload, protecting the interests of Leeds residents and supporting and contributing to the policies and decision making which shapes the future of the City.

As our next Senior Legal Officer (SO2) you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills, knowledge and experience, with the support of an excellent team of colleagues.  Including team managers, principal Legal Officers, Legal Officers and legal assistants. 

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Apply for this job online. Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application. 

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Karen Blackmore Team Leader.  Call 0113 3789056 or email karen.blackmore@leeds.gov.uk. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
 
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description 

Job purpose 

The work in the Section covers: litigation, claims against trespassers, contract disputes, housing possession and breach of tenancy claims, boundary disputes, disputed debt claims, insolvency, costs 

To provide a high quality, value for money legal service, which actively supports the delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives as set out in the Best Council Plan.

The post will be based within the General Litigation Team but the post holder may be required to work flexibly across other sections within Legal Services

Responsibilities 

• To undertake an appropriate personal workload. 
• To provide written and oral advice as appropriate. 
• To assist the Principal Legal Officers, Team Leaders and Section Head in the section with all legal work carried out by the section.
• As appropriate:
• Drafting, issuing and serving court/tribunal/inquiry/appeal documents as appropriate to the work of the section.
• Preparing cases for hearing in courts/tribunals/inquiries/appeals, including drafting letters, taking statements, collating documents, arranging for the attendance of witnesses, and preparing instructions for Counsel.
• Attendance at court/tribunals/inquiries/appeals with Counsel.
• To represent the Council in appropriate cases at case management discussions, pre hearing reviews and straightforward contested hearings in courts/ tribunals/inquiries.
• Post-court work to inform clients of all outcomes
• To undertake legal research.
• Maintaining and operating computerised systems.
• Dealing with enquiries/correspondence from internal and external clients, solicitors, members of the public, council officers and other agencies.
• To prepare and support the delivery of training.
• To provide administrative support as required.
• Take personal responsibility under and abide by the Council's Health & Safety Policy.
• To abide by the Council's Equality and Diversity Policy in the duties of the post and as an employee of the Council.
• To foster and deliver a “can do “attitude with regard to all aspects of the role, including advising and supporting colleagues, clients and members; contributing to change and supporting external income generation. 
• To work flexibly across the service as required.
• To carry out such other duties within Legal Services and for the Council and for other clients as may be reasonably required commensurate with the post holder's grade, experience, training and general level of responsibility within the council, at your initial place of work or at or from any of the Council's establishments or any other suitable place of work identified by the Council
• To perform all functions and duties effectively and in accordance with the Council’s Policies.
• To undertake work for other authorities under partnership and/or other arrangements
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications

• Member of CILEX level 6, CPE; or Degree in English law; or
• A non-legal degree level qualification or equivalent and the applicant can demonstrate they have experience of working in a legal environment and dealing with legal work, 12 months experience in the past 5 years.   

Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

• Able to prioritise and organise own workload and work within time constraints.
• Able to work and communicate effectively as a member of a team.
• Able to relate effectively to people and organisations at different levels inside and outside of the Council.
• Able to grasp and assimilate new information quickly.
• Able to draft and prepare clear and concise court documents, letters and memoranda.
• Able to act as an advocate on behalf of the Council.
• Able to work flexibly across the Service. 
• Able to contribute to the generation of external income.
• Experience of dealing with a personal workload.
• Experience of or demonstrate significant understanding of advocacy   
• Experience of local government legal work or experience in other legal settings/environment 
• Experience of Windows based lT systems.
• Experience of working as an effective team member

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics 

• To demonstrate and evidence living the Council’s values and behaviours.
• A commitment to provide and develop for clients high quality legal services.
• A professional approach and presentation.
• An awareness of the sensitive and confidential nature of the work.
• A willingness to work flexibly beyond normal office hours.
• To take ownership of your personal development planning and be willing to actively participate in learning and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities. 
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade. 
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council. 
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post.  Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates. 

• Experience of dealing with litigation, claims against trespassers, contract disputes, housing possession and breach of tenancy claims, boundary disputes 

Apply for this job