Solicitor

Job Description

SolicitorJob Type: 2-year Fixed Term ContractLocation: Halton (Hybrid Working between office and home)Salary: £42,503 - £45,495 per annum + £1,000 Car AllowanceThe RoleTo provide legal and procedural advice and legal services in respect of all of the Council’s planning and highway functions as directed in the most cost effective and efficient way to secure Best Value for the Authority.Key Duties and Responsibilities

• To principally support the Group Solicitor (Environment & Licensing) in providing legal services to the planning and highway departments, including bringing and defending any litigation including appeals, judicial reviews and statutory reviews. Where candidateshave relevant experience, the role may include some property work as well.
• To provide advice to officers and members on statute, case law and policy for the Council’s planning functions, including development management and enforcement.
• To provide advice to officers and members on the Council’s highway functions, including public rights of way, stopping up and diversion orders, traffic regulation orders and any general highway queries.
• To draft and advise on section 106 agreements, unilateral agreements, section 278 agreements and section 38 agreements.
• Dependant on experience, to draft and negotiate property legal documentation to assist with the delivery of housing and regeneration projects and to provide strategic advice in relation to Compulsory Purchase matters.
• To identify, research and anticipate the effects on service provision of new developments in the law to ensure that clients are able to deliver timely and responsive services.
• To deliver (under the supervision of more senior staff) training for Members, Officers and Legal Services staff and to participate in recognised national and regional group activities to improve understanding of legal and service issues and the qualityof service provision.
• To deliver legal advice to clients to ensure that policy is formulated, and operational decisions are taken on a sound legal basis.
• To implement positively the Councils Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety Policies.
• To carry out such tasks as are appropriate to the skills and experience of the post holder.
• To take part in any initiatives in relation to legal quality management or training as from time to time decided by the Legal Services Division Management Team.
• To provide cover from time to time for all areas of legal work which are the responsibility of the Council’s Legal Services Division.
• To undertake any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time, which are commensurate with the grade of the post.

Essential Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister
• Experience in planning law
• Experience of drafting section 106 agreements.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Negotiation, communication, drafting and presentational skills.
• Reliable and able to work on own initiative and under pressure.
• Able to organise own workload and work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to give clear and accurate legal advice.
• Commitment to developing expertise in new specialisms.

Desirable Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience preferably acquired in local government or similar environment of advising Officers/Clients and Members and Committees
• Experience of highways law and, in particular, drafting section 278 agreements and section 38 agreements.
• Experience in Property law.
• Knowledge and use of IT.
• Ability to comply with strict timescales.
• Ability to anticipate and identify problems and recommend solutions to management on a timely basis

Additional Information

• A level of flexibility is required work outside of normal hours: e.g. evening meetings.
• The post holder must hold a current driving licence.

Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave Entitlement starting at 26 days plus 8 bank holidays; increasing after 5 years’ service (pro rata for part time staff).
• Flexible and Agile Working Arrangements allowing employees to vary their start and finish times in accordance with business needs.
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to a range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Free Car Parking
• Employee Health initiatives
• Car Leasing Scheme
• Salary sacrifice schemes
• Employee discounts at a range of local and national businesses.

To ApplyIf you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable Borough Council, then please do not hesitate to apply.The Council and its schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expect all staff, workers and volunteers to share its commitment.