At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal advisor on housing and community safety, managing a diverse caseload.
- Company: Join Birmingham City Council's dynamic legal service team.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, health support, and discounts on over 800 brands.
- Other info: Opportunities for internal mobility and flexible working options available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor/Chartered Legal Executive or Bar member.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 55000 £ per year.
Principle Lawyer (Education)
£54,495 - £64,811
Permanent
Grade 6 - Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Equal Pay Programme
Principle Lawyer (Education)
About us
A brilliant opportunity to join a dynamic, progressive legal service where you will be given the opportunity to work on some incredible projects and cases, while learning and 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 its journey of resetting, reshaping and restarting and everyone within legal services is essential to the Council's success and achieving beneficial outcomes for our citizens. You could be part of this.
Legal Services covers all areas of work that the Council undertakes, from employment to property, from social care to contracts. The variety of work that our team undertakes is wide and at the highest level. The work is challenging and rewarding in equal measure. Based in Victoria Square in the City Centre, you will have excellent transport links, access to Courts and tribunals, partner organisations and all the benefits that working in the wonderful City of Birmingham brings.
Birmingham City Council is committed to achieving excellence, putting our citizens first, acting courageously and being true to our word. If this resonates with you, then we want to hear from you.
About the role
Your work will be very varied and will include advising on a broad range of Education Legal matters including question relating to School Organisation, Elective Home Education, Special Educational Needs, School Improvement, School and Governor Support, Education Transport, Admissions, Exclusions and Alternative Provision. Y
You will also support with resolving claims for Judicial Review brought against the City Council in respect of education matters and appeals in the Upper Tribunal relating to SEND matters. The role also includes direct line management and involves supporting the Head of Law to run the School Admissions Appeals and Exclusion Review Services.
As a lawyer you will be a proactive and innovative legal advisor, providing high-quality, professional advice. You will represent the City Council in legal proceedings and meetings. You will have a commitment to exceptional legal support and management.
Key responsibilities:
- Acting as a lead legal advisor to ensure compliance with statutory duties and obligations, to protect the best interests of the Council.
- Developing, with the Head of Law, a clear sense of direction and motivation within the team through team meetings and supervision meetings.
- Providing high quality, innovative, well researched and comprehensive specialist legal advice.
- Working with the Head of Law to develop highly effective working relationships with clients. To deliver a client focussed service with an excellent standard of client care.
- Attending courts, tribunals, public inquiries or other meetings, undertaking advocacy where required.
- Representing clients in negotiations and discussions and to also to instruct external legal services.
- Allocating work within the team including the setting and monitoring of performance indicators, targets and deadlines.
- Managing a complex caseload and delivering advice within the timescales required.
- Preparing reports for, and attending Committees, Sub-Committees and Executive Committee as required.
- Ensuring that the Department’s policies, procedures and practice standards are adhered to within the team and effectively manage non-compliance.
About you
You will need to possess a current practising certificate as a Solicitor/Chartered Legal Executive or be a member of the Bar who has completed pupillage or be a registered Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.
Benefits of working at Birmingham City Council
- 30 days annual leave – Increases to 33 days after 5 years and 35 days after 10 years, plus option to purchase additional leave
- Access to voluntary benefits providers that support health, wellbeing and making the most of your leisure time
- Family friendly policies e.g., maternity/adoption, paternity, shared parental leave, carers’ leave
- Health and wellbeing support networks e.g., independent, and confidential employee assistance and counselling, occupational health, etc.
- Employee communities and support groups including Corporate Black Workers Support Group, Disability and LGBT+ Networks, Menopause Support Forum, etc.
- We are a disability confident employer
- Membership of job-related pension scheme, West Midlands Pension Fund or Teachers’ Pensions, with generous employer contributions
- Access to ‘My Rewards’ – over 800 individual brands providing discounts and savings including high street stores, supermarkets, utility, and insurance providers, as well as great days out … to name but a few!
- Opportunities to join great salary sacrifice schemes e.g., Cycle to Work, Annual Travel and Car Parking, as well as making the most of Tax and National Insurance savings (additional schemes to launch soon)
How to apply
Please upload your up-to-date CV via the attachments part of your application, this is required for shortlisting. Unfortunately, we cannot consider any applications without a CV attached
Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people.
We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.
For any informal enquires please contact the Resourcing Team <Resourcing@birmingham.gov.uk>
Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
Sponsorship is not available for this post.
Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You can view our Corporate Safeguarding Policy | Birmingham City Council here.
Job Description and Person Specification
Lawyer-Job Description and Person Specificaton.pdf
Principal Lawyer in Birmingham employer: Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council offers a dynamic and progressive work environment for legal professionals, particularly in the role of Principal Lawyer within the Housing and Community Safety team. With a commitment to employee growth, excellent benefits including generous leave policies, health and wellbeing support, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, this is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while enjoying the vibrant culture of Birmingham city centre.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into Birmingham City Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and challenges. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for community safety and housing issues during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on our radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our dynamic team at Birmingham City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Make sure your personal statement is tailored to the Principal Lawyer role. Highlight your relevant experience in housing and community safety, and don’t forget to showcase your passion for local government work!
Showcase Your Skills:Use your CV to clearly outline your skills and experiences that align with the job description. Focus on your legal expertise, case management abilities, and any supervisory experience you have – we want to see how you can lead our team!
Be Concise and Clear:Keep your application clear and concise. Remember, the personal statement should be no more than 1500 words, so make every word count! Use bullet points where appropriate to make it easy for us to read.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing benefits there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on housing law and community safety regulations. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges Birmingham City Council faces in these areas, as well as recent cases or projects they've worked on. This will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Lawyer, you'll be managing a team. Be prepared to discuss your experience in supervising others, mentoring junior lawyers, and how you've motivated teams in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your leadership style and effectiveness.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the legal service's current projects, team dynamics, and future goals. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Craft a Compelling Personal Statement
Your personal statement is crucial. Clearly outline how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements. Highlight your motivation for applying and ensure it reflects your understanding of the role and the council's mission. Keep it concise and impactful!
