Principal Legal Officer - Grade PO4 Leeds, England
Job description
LEEDS CITY COUNCIL - Job Description
Directorate: Resources and Housing
Service Area: Legal Services, Children Social Care
Job Title: Principal Legal Officer
Grade: PO4
Responsible To: Team Leader/Section Head
Conditions of Service: NJC Conditions apply
This position would suit a newly qualified solicitor or Legal Executive. Previous experience of child care law would be welcome but not essential. Experience of Child Care Law is beneficial but it is not essential for this role as training will be provided to the successful candidate.
The Section works flexibly to carry out the following areas of work: Children Social Care Law.
Job Purpose
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.
To undertake a substantial personal caseload of legal professional work in the area of Children’s Social Care law. The post holder will be expected to have this areas of work as a focus but also to provide support on other areas of child care related law (eg private Children Act matters) as required, and any other local government legal matters and /or matters dealt with by Legal Services.
The post holder, depending on the job role and area of law as outlined above, would be expected to provide advice; draft legal documents, including agreements, and deal with contested hearings, with more complex advice, drafting and advocacy being dealt with by higher grader officers.
To contribute directly to the generation of external income and work flexibly across the Service as and when required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- To undertake a substantial personal caseload of legal matters in one or more areas as set out above in "Purpose of job".
- To draft legal documentation as necessary relevant to the job role.
- To conduct investigatory and preparatory work as necessary to ensure effective presentation of cases to court and or successful completion of agreements as appropriate.
- To provide advice/updates as to the progression of cases and the value of particular strategies.
- To draft instructions to counsel. To attend court/tribunals/inquiries/appeals with counsel as instructing representative if required.
- To undertake advocacy on cases where appropriate including contested hearings.
- To work flexibly as part of a team to cover commitments including for example court work/ completion of agreements and other work as required.
- To provide advice to clients both orally and in writing.
- To maintain an awareness of all legislative and case law developments which might impact on the work of clients and advise them as appropriate.
- To prepare and deliver training for clients and colleagues with regard to law and practice relating to their functions and work.
- To contribute directly to the generation of external income.
- To work flexibly across the Service as and when required.
- To support other staff within the Section and Service as required.
- To take personal responsibility under and abide by the Council’s Health and Safety policy.
- To perform all functions and duties effectively and in accordance with the Council’s policies.
- To foster and deliver a "can do "attitude with regard to all aspects of the role, including advising and supporting colleagues, clients and members and contributing to change.
- To meet all professional requirements, for example and if appropriate, the SRA competence framework in relation personal development.
- To carry out such other duties within Legal Services and the Council, and for other clients as, from time to time, may be reasonably required, which are commensurate with the grade, experience, training and level of responsibility within the Council at your initial place of work or from any other of the Council's establishments or from any other suitable place of work identified by the Council. You may be required to attend meetings, tribunals, inquiries/appeals and courts outside the boundaries of Leeds City Council.
- To undertake work for other authorities under partnership and/or other arrangements.
- Willing to abide by the Council’s Equality and Diversity policy in the duties of the post, and as an employee of the Council.
We serve an outstanding Children’s & Families Department, and seek two full time permanent Principal Legal Officers (PO4) to practise primarily in the area of Children’s Social Care Law.
Benefits include: access to West Yorkshire Pension Scheme; generous annual leave entitlement; training and development; flexible working, including from home.
The successful candidate will be supported by an experienced team of Legal Officers and Legal Assistants, senior principal legal officers and team managers.
The successful candidate will be a solicitor or barrister holding a practising certificate or FILEX (and Legal Executive Advocate Certificate (Family Proceedings)) with knowledge and experience of Children’s Social Care Law.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is an Inclusive employer, ranked 70 on the Stonewall top 100 employers 2023 list
If you would like further details please check out the Leeds City Council website - Job Req22294
Closing date for applications: Friday 16th June 2023 at 11:30pm
Interviews will take place week commencing 3 July 2023
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £41,496.00-£44,539.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexitime
Schedule:
- Flexitime
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid remote in ls11ur
Application deadline: 16/06/2023
Reference ID: Req22294
