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- Tasks: Join our Commercial team as an Assistant Lawyer, handling diverse legal tasks and your own caseload.
- Company: Plymouth City Council is dedicated to providing excellent legal services and promoting equality.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements tailored to your needs and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in various legal areas while contributing to meaningful projects in the community.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor, barrister with practising certificate, or CILEX Fellow.
- Other info: We promote equal opportunities and guarantee interviews for eligible candidates.
The predicted salary is between 40777 - 45091 £ per year.
Childcare/Court of Protection Assistant Lawyer
Potential for fully remote working
Are you a lawyer or a newly qualified lawyer with childcare or court of protection experience? If so, why not consider working for a local authority whose vision is to be one of Europe’s most vibrant waterfront cities, where an outstanding quality of life is enjoyed by everyone.
Plymouth City Council’s Legal service is looking to strengthen its highly respected Children’s team with the appointment of an experienced Lawyer or a newly qualified Assistant Lawyer with childcare or court of protection experience.
For both roles you will need to be an enthusiastic Solicitor or a Barrister with a practicing certificate or a Chartered Legal Executive with experience of working in either childcare or court of protection work. Post holders will be required to do some advocacy so relevant court advocacy experience is required.
You will need to demonstrate professionalism as well as excellent communication and drafting skills, together with a flexible and positive approach and an ability to work under pressure. You will have the ability to inspire confidence in clients and the courts.
You will be a team player, building excellent relationships within the immediate team and client departments, as well as having the ability to work on your own.
Responsibilities for the Childcare Post
- You will deliver expert legal support and advice to client services on complex child protection matters by telephone or at meetings without prior knowledge of the facts.
- The postholder will be required to do some advocacy.
- The postholder will manage a full case load which will include live childcare cases and pre-proceedings cases.
Responsibilities for the Court of Protection Post
- You will deliver expert legal support and advice to client services on court of protection matters relating to 16- and 17-year-olds who lack capacity, by telephone or at meetings without prior knowledge of the facts.
- The postholder will be required to do some advocacy.
- The postholder will manage a full case load of court of protection cases relating to 16- and 17-year-olds.
For both posts candidates working on a hybrid basis and able to attend court hearings in person mostly in Plymouth would be preferable; however, suitably experienced candidates wishing to work fully remotely will be considered (within the jurisdiction).
Benefits for Both Positions
- 26 days annual leave rising to 31 days after five years’ service.
- Flexitime scheme.
- Local government pension scheme.
- Employee benefits scheme.
How to apply for the Childcare and COP Lawyer/Assistant Lawyer positions
Whilst we would consider these roles being fully remote, all interviews will be in person.
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
For more information or an informal discussion about these exciting opportunities, please contact Leonie Sands, Senior Lawyer (leonie.sands@plymouth.gov.uk) or Lucy John, Senior Lawyer (lucy.john@plymouth.gov.uk) at Plymouth City Council to find out more.
Please note we do not accept CV\’s or agencies.
Closing Date: Sunday 18 January
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Assistant Lawyer employer: PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific areas of law that the Commercial team focuses on, such as property, planning, and highways. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who work in commercial law. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within the Council.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising how you would handle specific legal scenarios related to the role. Think about examples from your past experience that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work as part of a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to the contacts listed in the job description for an informal chat. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to ask questions that can help you tailor your approach when applying through our website.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Lawyer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences in commercial law, property, planning, and highways.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous legal work or internships that relate to the areas mentioned in the job description. Showcase your ability to handle a caseload and provide legal advice.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention your qualifications as a solicitor, barrister, or CILEX Fellow, and explain how your proactive attitude aligns with the team's needs.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail, which is crucial in the legal field.
How to prepare for a job interview at PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
✨Know Your Legal Areas
Familiarise yourself with the specific areas of law that the role covers, particularly property, planning, highways, and contracts. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of these areas and any relevant experience you have.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a team player, it's crucial to show your ability to collaborate effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully worked within a team, highlighting your proactive attitude and commitment to achieving common goals.
✨Prepare for Legal Research Questions
Expect questions that assess your legal research skills. Brush up on how to conduct thorough legal research and be ready to discuss any tools or methods you use to gather information and provide legal advice.
✨Show Enthusiasm and Commitment
Convey your passion for the role and the legal profession during the interview. Share your motivation for wanting to work in the Commercial team and how you plan to contribute to delivering excellent service.
