HOW TO APPLY

Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement explaining how you meet the criteria set out in one of the Job Descriptions.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE CANDIDATE SHOULD BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA FOR THE POST. CANDIDATES WILL ONLY BE SHORTLISTED FOR INTERVIEW IF THEY CAN DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY MEET ALL THE ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS.

• Considerable knowledge of law and practice relating to Employment law.
• Able to plan and organise own workload, with minimum supervision, and to strict deadlines.
• Able to act as an advocate on behalf of the Council including dealing with complex contested hearings, as appropriate.
• Able to work and communicate effectively as member of a team.
• Able to establish productive relationships with people and organisations at different levels inside and outside the Council.
• Able to grasp and assimilate new information quickly.
• 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 recognise the implications of policy changes and assist in formulating appropriate responses.
• Able to carry out effective legal research.
• Able to anticipate changes needed to meet organisational objectives and identify strategies to overcome difficulties.
• Able to contribute directly to external income generation.
• Able to work flexibly across the Service as required.
• Knowledge of the law and practice relating to local government.
• Experience of managing and dealing with a substantial and complex personal case load
• Experience of advocacy including experience in dealing with complex contested hearings, as appropriate to the post.
• Experience of providing advice to clients on complex matters.
• Experience of working as an effective member of a team.
• Experience of Windows based IT systems.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.

• Experience of advising committees.
• Experience of working to a quality system e.g., Lexcel, ISO or similar.
• Experience of providing legal training.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Principal Legal Officer you will undertake a substantial complex personal caseload of legal professional work in the area of Employment law. You will be expected to deal with complex advice and complex contested hearings in the Employment Tribunal. They would be expected to attend committee/board meetings and members briefings as requested to advise.

THIS ROLE IS BASED IN THE UK. HOME OFFICE GUIDANCE STATES THAT CANDIDATES MUST EVIDENCE THEIR RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK PRIOR TO COMMENCING EMPLOYMENT, EITHER AS A UK OR IRISH CITIZEN, UNDER THE EU SETTLEMENT SCHEME OR HAVING SECURED ANY OTHER RELEVANT WORK VISA.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you’ll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

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 complex personal caseload of legal professional work in the area of Employment law.
The post holder would be expected to deal with complex advice and complex contested hearings. They would be expected to attend committee/board meetings and members briefings as requested to advise.
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 complex legal matters in one or more areas set out above in “Purpose of the job”.
• To draft and issue court proceedings and other documentation as necessary.
• To conduct investigatory and preparatory work as necessary to ensure effective presentation of cases to court/tribunals/inquiries/appeals.
• To draft instructions to Counsel. To attend court/tribunals/inquiries/ appeals with Counsel as instructing representative if required.
• To undertake advocacy and represent the Council and other clients in proceedings/tribunals/court, inquiries/appeals and (subject to rights of audience) Higher Courts, including in relation to complex contested proceedings.
• To advise/update as to the progression of cases and the value of particular strategies.
• To work flexibly as part of a team to cover court/tribunal/inquiry commitments and other work as required.
• To advise clients both orally and in writing, including in relation to complex matters.
• To provide legal advice and support to committees/board meetings, member briefings etc.
• 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 provide training for clients, colleagues and members with regard to law and practice.
• To establish, develop and maintain effective relationships with a range of internal colleagues and external stakeholders and parties including members, directors and senior officers to improve and enhance service delivery.
• To support other staff within the Section and Service as required including taking an active role in coaching and mentoring staff.
• To contribute directly to the generation of external income.
• To work flexibly across the Service as and when required.
• To take personal responsibility under and abide by the Council’s Health and Safety Policy.
• Willing to abide by the Council’s Equality and Diversity policy in the duties of the post, and as an employee of the Council.
• 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 competency 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 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.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
  Qualifications Solicitor or Barrister entitled to hold a practising certificate or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.