Job Role: Solicitor - Property Specialist
Main Purposes of the Role:
* Provision of legal advice, representation, and assistance across the Council to Members and staff colleagues as well as at public meetings where required.
* Understand the role of Legal Services and contribute to the delivery of the Legal Team’s Service Plan and the Council’s Corporate Plan.
* Contribute to the delivery of a high quality and cost-effective legal service.
Generic Accountabilities of the Role:
* Be a trusted adviser to Members and colleagues in all specialist knowledge areas, and at all levels of the organisation.
* Manage an ongoing legal caseload.
* Represent the Council at legal proceedings, including advocacy where required.
* Undertake continuing professional development as required and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of all relevant legislation and case law.
* Exhibit the highest professional work standards and a capacity to develop skills and knowledge. • Attend statutory meetings as required.
Specific Accountabilities of the Role:
* Trusted adviser to all Officers on a wide range of property matters including acquisitions and disposals, licences and Landlord and Tenant matters.
* Contribute to advice on structuring property deals.
* Negotiate and complete property transactions on behalf of the Council.
* Assist in provision of advice on Assets of Community Value, best value disposals and Subsidy Control.
Professional and Personal Attributes:
* Fully qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive/Relevant professional qualification (Essential)
* Membership of other relevant professional bodies (Desirable)
Knowledge:
* Working knowledge of managing matters in the area of specialism (Essential)
* Working knowledge of managing matters in the area of specialism in a local government context. (Desirable)
* Knowledge of the local government statutory framework and relevant current and emerging legislation, guidance, and best practice. (Desirable)
Experience:
* Working within a legal team or practice. (Essential)
* Working within a local government legal team. (Desirable)
* Advising on general public law and constitutional matters. (Desirable)
* Attending and addressing Committees in the area of specialism. (Desirable)
* Relevant court procedures. (Desirable)
* Relevant court procedures. (Desirable)
Business Skills:
* Verbal and written communication. (Essential)
* Scrutiny of new legislation. (Essential)
* Ability to work on own initiative, prioritise and manage workload within set deadlines. (Essential) Understand modern digital approaches to improve service delivery. (Essential)
Political Skills:
* Understanding of the political nature of local government and the democratic process. (Desirable) Working in a political environment and alongside elected Members. (Desirable)
Personal Behaviours:
* Able to collaborate and communicate openly and be approachable and fair. (Essential)
* Ambitious, creative, and open-minded. (Essential)
* High level of personal integrity. (Essential)
* Capacity and desire to develop relevant skills and knowledge. (Essential)