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- Tasks: Join our legal team to provide advice, draft documents, and conduct litigation on diverse matters.
- Company: Elmbridge Borough Council is dedicated to delivering top-notch services to residents and businesses.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, your birthday off, and a fantastic pension with local business discounts.
- Why this job: Shape a sustainable community while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Local government experience is a plus, but training and support will be provided.
- Other info: Part-Time, Term Time, and Job-Share options available; apply online only.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Elmbridge Borough Council has an exciting opportunity for a Legal Officer to join its legal team, which has expanded to provide more legal resilience across the Council’s functions and services.
As a Legal Officer, you will be involved in providing legal advice, drafting documents and notices, and conducting litigation (both civil and criminal) on a diverse range of planning, environmental, debt recovery and other regulatory matters, as well as attending committee meetings.
Your caseload will be varied. It ranges from drafting section 106 agreements/unilateral undertakings, enforcement notices, advising on lawful development certificates and prosecuting for offences under the Town and County Planning Act 1990 to providing legal advice. Additionally, you may be called upon to provide legal advice and assistance to our environmental enforcement and environmental health/licensing and local taxation officers.
You will have the opportunity to develop your career, whilst help shaping a sustainable and thriving council and community. You will work with a group of dedicated people, committed to delivering the best services to its residents and businesses.
It is desirable, but not essential, that you have local government experience, however, training and support would be offered as part of your continuous professional development.
We offer hybrid working arrangements, as well as your birthday off and we are closed between Christmas and New Year (no annual leave required). Part-Time, Term Time and Job-Share will all be considered.
You will benefit from our excellent pension, as well as the package of employee benefits and discounts with various local businesses and free employee parking.
If you want to know more, have a look at the job specification and give us a call us on 01372474198 or email the Principal Solicitor at ghealy@elmbridge.gov.uk
Closing date: Friday 21 February 2025
Interviews: w/c 10 March 2025
Equal Opportunities
Elmbridge Borough Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. If you require any adjustments to be able to engage in the recruitment process for this role, please let us know by emailing humanresources@elmbridge.gov.uk
How to apply
Please note that we do not accept CVs. We only accept online applications. Our applications can take up to 2hrs to complete but we have prepared some guidelines to help you with the application as it’s such an important part of the process.
To apply use the "Apply Online" button below, which will take you to our Applicant Tracking System (‘ATS’) where, once you have applied, you can log on to your online account at any time to view the status of any of your applications. By using ATS, you can track the progress of your application(s), receive communications by email, select your own interview time online and see whether you have been made a conditional offer.
Legal Officer employer: Elmbridge Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Elmbridge Borough Council Recruiting Team
+441372474198
ghealy@elmbridge.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific legal areas mentioned in the job description, such as planning and environmental law. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to speak confidently about relevant topics during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Elmbridge Borough Council's recent projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and help you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with drafting legal documents and conducting litigation. Think of specific examples that showcase your skills and how they align with the responsibilities of the Legal Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of Elmbridge Borough Council on professional networking platforms. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application and interview preparation.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Legal Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities, such as providing legal advice and drafting documents, to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize any relevant experience you have in legal matters, especially in planning, environmental law, or local government. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
Follow Application Guidelines: Make sure to follow the application guidelines provided by Elmbridge Borough Council. Remember, they do not accept CVs, so focus on completing the online application form thoroughly and accurately.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, prepare by reviewing common legal scenarios related to the role. Be ready to discuss how you would handle various legal issues that may arise in the council's functions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elmbridge Borough Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a Legal Officer. Familiarize yourself with the types of legal matters you will be handling, such as planning, environmental issues, and debt recovery. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Prepare Relevant Examples
Think of specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your skills in providing legal advice, drafting documents, and conducting litigation. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully handled similar cases or challenges in the past.
✨Show Your Commitment to Continuous Development
Since the council offers training and support for professional development, express your eagerness to learn and grow in this role. Discuss any relevant courses or certifications you have completed or plan to pursue.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's legal team, the types of cases they handle, and their approach to community engagement. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
