Lawyer Litigation and Licensing in Widnes)

Location: Widnes WA8 7QF

Salary: £45,718 - £48,710 per annum (plus a market supplement of £7k until December 2027)

Halton is a vibrant local authority with a rich history and heritage, featuring two iconic bridges that connect communities across the River Mersey. Located in Cheshire, Halton boasts excellent transport links between Liverpool and Manchester, as well as close proximity to both Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester Airports. Their progressive community strategy aims to bring about meaningful, long-term improvements that enhance lives.

The Role

This is an exciting time as they are growing their service, and they are looking for a number of talented lawyers to join them on their journey. In particular, they are looking for a Litigation and Licensing Lawyer. You will have experience of conducting criminal or civil litigation, including advocacy, and possibly licensing although this is not essential and training will be provided for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertaking criminal and civil advocacy and other litigation work, in order to protect and further the Council's objectives in the Courts, Tribunals and at Statutory Appeals and Inquiries.
• Providing advice and guidance and other legal services as required to ensure that the Council's Directorates receive effective and high quality legal advice and services.
• Identifying, researching, and anticipating the effects on service provision of new developments in the law to ensure that clients are able to deliver timely and responsive services.
• Delivering training for Members, Officers, and Legal Services staff and to participate in recognised national and regional group activities to improve understanding of legal and service issues and the quality of service provision.
• Providing legal and procedural advice to the Council's Boards, Committees, Panels, and Groups of Members to ensure that policy and operational decisions are taken in the most effective and beneficial way.
• Delivering legal advice to clients to ensure that policy is formulated and operational decisions are taken on a sound legal basis.
• Collaborating constructively with partner organisations and other stakeholders including internal services and colleagues.
• Providing cover as and when necessary for all areas of legal work which are the responsibilities of Legal Services.
• Adhering to the prescribed Practice Standards within Legal Services.
• Complying with corporate/directorate HR practices.
• Undertaking any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time which are commensurate with the grade of the job.

Skills and Qualifications

• A recognised legal qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive.
• Experience of criminal and civil advocacy.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas of law planning / highways / rights of way / environmental law/consumer protection law / open spaces / waste / contaminated land.
• Preferably experience acquired in local government or similar environment of advising Officers/Clients, Members, and Committees.
• Excellent oral and written communication and comprehension skills, including the capacity to negotiate, to draft complex legal documentation and advice often under time pressure while meeting deadlines, and to demonstrate an innovative, problem-solving approach to legal problems.
• Advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Experience of collaborative working with a range of stakeholders.
• A proactive and collaborative approach to problem-solving and working within a team.
• Experience of building strong working relationships with clients and internal teams.
• A commitment to developing expertise in new specialisms as well as maintaining and practising existing advocacy skills.
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft packages or equivalent (e.g. G Suite, Mosaic).

As this role involves regular travel across the borough and sometimes further afield, a driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential requirements. Where appropriate, reasonable adjustments will be made in accordance with the provisions of the Equality Act.

Benefits

• A generous annual holiday allowance starting at 34 days per year (including bank holidays), increasing with long service;
• Membership of their defined benefit, salary-linked Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions;
• 3 x Salary Life Cover via Local Government Pension Scheme;
• Investment in your personal development;
• Free Car Parking at HBC sites;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Extensive employee benefits platform including discounted shopping, car leasing, gym memberships, wellbeing hub and Employee Assistance Programme.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable council, please proceed through the following link to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

The Council and its schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expect all staff, workers and volunteers to share its commitment.