ROCHDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL JOB DESCRIPTION
SERVICE: Corporate Services
SECTION: Legal Services
LOCATION: Number One Riverside
JOB TITLE: Litigation Lawyer
POST NUMBER:
Grade: 9
Accountable to: Senior Litigation Lawyer
Hours of Duty: 37 flexible working hours in accordance with the needs of the service.
Any Special Conditions of Service: The Authority operates a Smoke Free Policy for all its employees and applies to any building and associated grounds within in the immediate vicinity of the building which is wholly owned, leased or operated and occupied by Rochdale Borough Council. Attendance at meetings will be compensated in accordance with Local Conditions of Service. The Post is subject to restriction on public political activity in accordance with the provisions of Part 1 of the Local Government & Housing Act 1989.
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects staff to share this commitment.
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE JOB
To provide an effective, efficient and professional in-house legal service to the Council, focusing on general litigation (including anti-social behaviour related litigation), local authority regulatory work, prosecutions, licensing, and miscellaneous local government legal work.
To take responsibility for providing accurate and robust legal advice to support Legal Section and Council priorities, assist in staff development within Legal Services, and actively contribute to the development of Legal Services to ensure value for money.
To act as an Ambassador for Legal Services and the Council, developing and maintaining effective and professional relationships to raise the profile of Legal Services.
Control of Resources
Personnel: Responsible for the direction, support, and motivation of self. Work in accordance with the financial regulations and procedures of the Council. Negotiate, maintain, and arrange payment of external lawyers’ fees and any other third-party fees properly incurred.
Equipment/Materials: Responsible for the effective use and security of legal systems relevant to the post including software and ICT equipment.
Health/Safety/Welfare: Responsibility for the safety and welfare of self and colleagues in accordance with the Health and Safety Policies of the Council.
Training and Development: Responsible for assisting in the identification and undertaking of training and development requirements in accordance with the Council’s Employee Development Scheme.
Relationships (Internal and External):
Internal: All staff in Legal Services, Other staff of the Legal & Democratic Services, Officers of other Council Service Areas, Members of the Council.
External: Parties to proceedings (including their representatives), Members of Parliament, Officers of the Courts / Tribunals, General public, Offices of other Local Authorities, Public Bodies and Government Departments and Agencies.
Responsibilities:
1. Perform duties in accordance with all Rochdale Council’s Policies, including Equality and Diversity Policy.
2. Ensure that Rochdale Council’s commitment to public service orientation and care of customers is provided.
3. Be responsible for the legal work undertaken.
4. Act as a legal representative for the council and provide advice and guidance to elected Council Members and Officers.
Values and Behaviours: Approach the job at all times using the values set out below:
1. Pioneering and Open
Responsibilities include advising on general litigation, preparing and conducting proceedings before the Courts, attending and advising at Committees, providing legal written advice, negotiating and arranging payments, keeping the Head of Legal Services updated, and ensuring compliance with the Council’s Constitution.
Secondary Duties:
1. Participate in Council programs of in-service training as a trainee and when required as a trainer facilitator.
2. Undertake other legal work in other areas of law as determined by the Borough Solicitor, Assistant Borough Solicitor, and Senior Litigation Solicitor/Lawyer.
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