ASC Senior Solicitor in Bournemouth

Starting salary for this role is £48,226 (pro rata for part-time colleagues) (plus a local market supplement of £10,445 at the start of the band). This role sits within a well-defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception, all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation.

We are seeking to recruit Senior Solicitors/Lawyers to undertake varied, high-quality work with like-minded and supportive colleagues who are committed to public service and excellent client care. The ideal candidate will be able to work with limited supervision and manage a busy diverse caseload.

Role Purpose:

• Support and assist the Head of Legal Services to deliver an efficient, effective and responsive legal service, advising clients in line with strategic objectives.

Main Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist input to the Service Director and the Head of Legal Services in the delivery and improvement of its services and business strategies.
• Represent the Council as and when required in all routine, complex or high-risk matters and related legal proceedings.
• Deliver clear, consistent and accurate legal advice to officers, committees, members and clients on all routine, complex or high-risk matters.
• Procure external legal assistance when requested to do so.
• Take necessary action under the relevant legislation and case law and ensure appropriate professional standards are maintained in line with accepted good practice.
• Manage a busy caseload.
• Deliver training and workshops for officers and members and updates on changes in the law as appropriate.

Personal Qualities & Attributes:

• Ability to provide creative and innovative solutions to complex procedural and legal issues.
• Tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to work on own initiative and represent Legal Services at all levels within the authorities and externally.
• Ability to give complex and specialist advice in highly sensitive and pressurised situations.
• Ability to deliver pragmatic and cost-effective advice and solutions to clients.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy local government environment to meet deadlines as required.

Specific Qualifications And Experience:

• Qualified solicitor or barrister or Chartered Legal Executive.
• Extensive post-qualification experience in relevant area of law.
• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant areas of the law and proceedings.
• Demonstrable experience of persuasion and negotiation at a senior level.

Job Requirements:

• Must be able to travel, using public or other forms of transport where they are viable, or by holding a valid UK driving licence with access to own or pool car.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work. We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help.

About BCP Council:

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career-defining roles to transform and improve services.

Our Benefits:

• A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council.
• Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package.