We seek a full-time permanent Principal Legal Officer (PO6) to practice primarily in the area of Housing Condition/Disrepair Claims.
The section solely covers the defending of Housing Condition/Disrepair claims against the Council, but it would be desirable if a candidate also had broader experience in Housing Law.
The successful candidate will be a solicitor or barrister entitled to hold a practising certificate or FCILEx who will work in a lively and busy team. It is essential that the successful candidate has extensive experience of Housing Disrepair litigated matters, good interpersonal skills, is able to prioritise their own workload, act as an advocate in complex contested hearings, and work to tight court deadlines. They must be able to work as part of a team and be flexible, enthusiastic, and committed.
Benefits include:
* Access to West Yorkshire Pension Scheme
* Generous annual leave entitlement
* Training and development
* Flexible working, including from home
Leeds is an award-winning and progressive authority, which works closely with local communities and businesses. At its core is the overall vision to be the Best City, to tackle poverty and inequality and improve the quality of life for everyone who calls Leeds home.
Having a workforce that reflects the people of Leeds is important. We value diversity and fair treatment of employees and applicants. Leeds City Council is a Stonewall Top 100 and Mindful employer, and proudly retains the Disability Confident Standard.
Our Legal Services department reflects the diversity of Leeds and is a welcoming and inclusive team, with a positive, healthy workplace culture where everyone can be themselves. Our Lexcel accreditation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing a quality legal service.
Job Description
Job Purpose: The section covers the following areas of work: Housing Condition/Disrepair Claims & EPA. The postholder will 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 City Ambitions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
* Undertake a substantial personal caseload of complex legal professional work, primarily Housing Condition/Disrepair legal work.
* Support the generation of external income in the section and across the service and take an active role in coaching and mentoring staff within the section and service.
* Represent council colleagues and other clients in proceedings in tribunals, the County Court and (subject to rights of audience) Higher Courts, including in relation to contested proceedings.
* Conduct investigatory and preparatory work as necessary to ensure effective presentation of cases to Court and advise as to the progression of cases and the value of particular strategies.
* Draft and issue court proceedings and other documentation such as instructions to counsel as necessary.
* Foster and deliver a “can do” attitude with regard to all aspects of the role.
* Establish, develop and maintain effective relationships with a range of internal colleagues, external stakeholders, and parties.
* Maintain an awareness of all legislative and case law developments which might impact on the work of colleagues and clients and advise them as appropriate.
* Provide legal advice and support to committees and clients both orally and in writing, in relation to complex matters.
* Work flexibly as part of a team to cover court and tribunal commitments and other work as required.
* Meet all professional requirements, for example, the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) competency framework in relation to personal development.
* Support other staff within the section and service as required including providing training to colleagues and clients.
* Perform all functions and duties effectively and in accordance with the council’s policies and codes of practice.
* Attend meetings, tribunals, inquiries/appeals and courts outside the boundaries of Leeds City Council and outside your normal working hours as required.
* Carry out such other duties within Legal Services and the Council, and for other clients as required commensurate with the grade.
Qualifications
Solicitor or Barrister entitled to hold a practising certificate or FCILEX with Legal Executive Advocate Certificate - Civil.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.
Skills Required
* Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.
* Able to plan and organise own workload with minimum supervision, to strict deadlines.
* Able to act as an advocate on behalf of the council including dealing with complex contested hearings.
* Able to communicate effectively and establish productive relationships with people and organisations at different levels inside and outside the council.
* Able to resolve a wide range of complex legal problems in a local government context.
* Able to draft and prepare clear and concise documents, procedures, guidance notes, reports, statements, letters and memoranda.
* Able to carry out effective legal research.
Knowledge Required
* Of the law and practice relating to Housing Conditions/Disrepair.
* Of law and practice relating to local government.
Experience Required
* Of managing and dealing with a substantial complex personal caseload.
* Of providing advice to clients on complex matters.
* Of advocacy (where relevant) including experience in dealing with complex cases.
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