At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice and represent the Council in court and negotiations.
- Company: Join Birmingham City Council's dynamic and progressive legal service team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 36.5 hours per week, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a unique legal team committed to excellence and citizen-focused outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing as a leading lawyer.
- Qualifications: Experience in criminal litigation and strong advocacy skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54495 - 64811 € per year.
A brilliant opportunity to join a dynamic, progressive legal service where you will work on a wide range of projects and cases, developing as a leading local government lawyer. Birmingham City Council’s legal service is unique and one of the largest in‑house local authority legal teams. The City Council is on a journey of resetting, reshaping and restarting, and everyone within legal services is essential to the Council’s success and to achieving beneficial outcomes for our citizens. Birmingham City Council is committed to achieving excellence, putting our citizens first, acting courageously and being true to our word.
This role is for one Principal Advocate within the Criminal Litigation and Licensing team.
Key Responsibilities- Act as a legal advisor to ensure compliance with statutory duties and obligations, protecting the best interests of the Council.
- Provide high‑quality, innovative, well‑researched and comprehensive specialist legal advice.
- Attend courts, tribunals, public inquiries or other meetings, undertake advocacy and represent the Council in negotiations and discussions.
- Appear as an advocate in the higher courts, representing the Council in a wide range of hearings.
- Assess evidential strengths and weaknesses in a case and advise on appropriate next steps or options.
- Draft court documents, briefing notes and legal documents.
- Support the Legal Services Management Team to meet practice‑management requirements and ensure compliance with policies and procedures, playing a key role in maintaining high service standards.
Principal Advocate employer: Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council offers an exceptional work environment for legal professionals, particularly in the role of Principal Advocate within its dynamic and progressive legal service. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on citizen outcomes, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and innovation. The unique opportunity to work within one of the largest in-house local authority legal teams in the UK, alongside a supportive management team, makes this an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the legal field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Advocate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in local government. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Principal Advocate role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your advocacy skills. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to criminal litigation and licensing. Show them you’re ready to represent the Council with confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your unique experiences! When you get the chance to speak with hiring managers, highlight any innovative legal strategies or successful cases you’ve worked on. We want to see how you can bring value to Birmingham City Council.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive insights and tips on our site that can give you an edge in the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Advocate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Principal Advocate role. We want to see how you can contribute to our dynamic legal service, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills:Since this role involves a lot of advocacy, be sure to include examples of your experience in court or tribunal settings. We’re looking for someone who can confidently represent the Council, so let us know about your successes in similar situations.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do, so why not?
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham City Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of criminal litigation and licensing laws. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legislation relevant to Birmingham City Council. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in advocacy, especially in higher courts. Think of specific examples where you've successfully represented clients or the council. Practising your delivery can help you convey confidence and clarity during the interview.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Research Birmingham City Council’s current projects and their vision for the future. Being able to align your answers with their goals will show that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their mission of putting citizens first.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the role and the team. Ask about the challenges they face in criminal litigation and how you can contribute to overcoming them. This shows your proactive attitude and genuine interest in the position.
