Contracts Lawyer

Responsible for the delivery of highest quality outcomes and effective legal advice to clients including the Cabinet, Committees, other Council bodies and elected Members.

To ensure the legal services provided are cost effective and meet the principles of good governance in decision making.

Support the development and delivery of relevant strategies, policies and departmental projects that secure the achievement of key council and service objectives.

Responsibilities

• To deliver a high quality, sustainable legal service that complies with the statutory framework and meets the Councils statutory and contractual obligations.
• Advising and attending Committees and sub-committees, members and Chief Officers and frequently advising the Departments in relation to the Law in matters specifically relating to the work of the section.
• Devising and implementing new methods, forms and procedures as required by new legislation, revised council policy or generally including the review of changes imposed in relation to specific services.
• Determining the effect of new legislation and advising specifically on the impact of new legislation on the delivery of the councils services or functions.
• Preparing reports and comments for reports to council, cabinet committees and sub-committees.
• Attendance at departmental working groups, steering panels and project group meetings to provide advice.
• To support the working practices and procedures for the services provided.
• To work with Senior Lawyers and Lawyers to ensure a consistent and holistic approach to the delivery of services.
• To draft documents and prepare pleadings.
• Prepare and processing all legal documents, including agreements, deeds, notices, orders, consents, byelaws relevant to the work of the council.
• Presentation of cases before courts and tribunals where the post holder has a right of audience on all matters in relation to the work of the council.
• Responding to legal questions received from members of the council, members of Parliament, the ombudsman and external organisations within a specific area of activity and under the supervision of the Senior Lawyer.
• To undertake the review of files under the guidance of the senior Lawyer, organise meetings and take notes of meetings.
• To support and advise at meetings, working parties and officer groups as required.
• To maintain good governance in managing own caseload of complex work under minimal supervision.
• Co-ordinate research upon legal questions arising from the work of team including, where necessary, briefing Lawyers/or Counsel.
• Assist on negotiating and concluding contractual arrangements with Solicitors, Barristers, Valuers and Land Agents, and external agencies.
• To ensure continuous improvements within the area of expertise, and that the service is responsive to the changing environment.
• To maintain the improvement in equal opportunities in employment and service delivery.
• To keep up to date records of chargeable hours targets for the area of service.
• To maintain files in accordance with Lexcel requirements and the Office Procedure Manual.
• To undertake other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the post.

Job Context

• The vision for Legal Services is: To be our first choice provider of legal services, offering a sustainable, high-quality, responsive & efficient value for money service to us and to the communities of Southwark.
• All solicitors are regulated by the principles and code of conduct governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The principles and outcomes are mandatory and apply to all aspects of practice.