Senior Lawyer (Housing) - 37 hours

at  Torbay Council

JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION >

Torbay is breathtaking, captivating, and welcoming, occupying a prime position on the south coast of Devon. Currently experiencing unprecedented levels of investment and the Council’s own ambitious transformation programme have given Torbay the opportunity to capitalise on the area’s profile and many assets.
As a small unitary authority, you’ll discover Torbay is a place where you can make things happen quickly. We have real momentum building, fuelled by a shared sense of purpose and ambition - which is evident by our success in being awarded the ‘Most Improved Council’ at last year’s Local Government Chronicle Awards. We want Torbay and its residents to thrive and are committed to making a difference in our community, delivering high quality services to local people.
To complement this journey, we are now seeking a Senior Housing Lawyer to join our Legal Services Litigation Team. You will have experience in housing law to include homelessness (and judicial reviews arising from homelessness decisions), housing standards, and anti-social behaviour injunctions. Ideally you will also have had experience in social housing provision, disrepair and possession.
This varied role provides a platform to be actively involved,
supporting key agendas pertinent to the success and prosperity of Torbay, its residents, businesses, and wider communities. No two days will be the same, for which those already working within local government will attest to and actively thrive upon.
Undertaking the role of a Senior Lawyer, you will be a suitably qualified professional with at least 3 years PQE; excited by a fast-paced and varied caseload, conscientious, professionally curious and a role model to other team members.
In return, you will join a supportive and rewarding organisation and team, whereby your talent will be valued and actively developed. At Torbay Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from our people, and we are excited for you to join us.
We also understand the importance of an effective work-life balance, therefore offer an enviable hybrid working approach. This is managed effectively around the need to attend essential meetings and/or make court appearances in line with the remit of the role.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer that is in a great period of change and sees legal services as not simply a support function, but an enabler in the pursuit of the highest standards and outcomes for its residents.
We would welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates.
If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
https://www.torbay.gov.uk/council/jobs/job-descriptions/senior-lawyer-housing/

SKILLS

Essential:

• Ability to give clear and accurate legal advice.
• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.

KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

• High level of knowledge of the law and procedure within the specialist area.
• Detailed knowledge of the law relating to local government.
• General awareness of the policies, aims and objectives of the Council.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

• Admitted and practising solicitor, legal executive (fellow) or barrister with up to 3 years PQE.
• Suitably trained as a legal advisor or advocate.
• Experience of working in a legal environment.