At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Property and Planning team as a Senior Legal Officer managing diverse legal cases.
- Company: Cardiff Council, a Lexcel accredited in-house legal service in a vibrant city.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-growing city while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Experience in Property and Planning Law with strong prioritisation and relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 36363 - 40777 £ per year.
Cardiff Council has a Lexcel accredited in-house Legal Service with excellent opportunities for a hardworking, motivated and adaptable legal practitioner. Currently based at County Hall in the heart of Cardiff Bay with good transport links and parking facilities. We have specialist lawyers carrying out procurement, litigation, property, planning, governance, childcare and adult social services work, and aim to provide our clients with an excellent and comprehensive service.
The service now operates a hybrid working model which enables employees to work flexibly from home or from an office base, depending upon service requirements. We have a modern case management system, an online legal library, and a small business support team. We also have 3 trainee solicitor posts which we use to help grow our own workforce.
An opportunity exists to join our Property and Planning team. We are looking for an experienced Senior Legal Assistant who will primarily be working within the area of property and planning law and be expected to manage a caseload of various matters relating to the work in the Property and Planning team, including but not limited to sales, purchases, leases and other property and planning work undertaken by the team. As the role is more senior, it is expected that the role will require an ability to work with limited supervision and involve some oversight of work carried out by more junior members of the team.
What We Are Looking For From You
We seek a high calibre candidate with relevant experience who is able to deal with a varied and demanding workload and who is committed to delivering a successful in-house legal service. The successful candidate must be able to prioritise work and meet deadlines, often under pressure, whilst maintaining good relationships with others. The successful candidate will need to have significant experience and knowledge of Property and Planning Law.
Additional Information
While the role is demanding, our flexible working policies ensure a healthy work-life balance. The Council's Flexi Time policy applies to the post, and flexible working patterns are available, subject to meeting the needs of our clients and having mutual regard to the working arrangements of existing team members. The successful applicant would need to be able to travel at short notice in line with the demands of this post. This vacancy is suitable for post share subject to there being another suitably qualified and experienced employee/candidate who wishes to post share.
For an informal conversation, please contact the Operational Manager (Property Planning and Procurement) Richard Crane on richard.crane@cardiff.gov.uk. Those applicants successful at application form stage will be invited for an interview/test and this interview will be face to face. If you have any concerns regarding this, please contact Richard Crane for a discussion.
We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications. We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own. Please note the Council does not accept CVs.
Closing date: 7 June 2026
Legal Officer in Cardiff employer: Cardiff Council
Cardiff Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the vibrant capital of Wales. With a Lexcel accredited in-house Legal Service, employees benefit from a hybrid working model, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth through trainee solicitor posts. The supportive culture prioritises work-life balance while providing access to modern resources and a collaborative team atmosphere, making it an ideal place for motivated legal practitioners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Officer in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into Cardiff Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Property and Planning Law knowledge. Think about real-life examples from your experience that showcase your skills and how you handle pressure. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research Cardiff Council’s recent projects or initiatives in property and planning. Showing that you’re informed about their work will definitely impress them during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s quick and easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining the team at Cardiff Council. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Officer in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in property and planning law. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application, keep your language straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely excited about joining our team and contributing to Cardiff Council’s legal service. A little personality goes a long way!
Follow the Guidelines:Remember, we don’t accept CVs, so stick to the application form provided on our website. Make sure you read all instructions carefully to ensure your application is complete and meets our requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff Council
✨Know Your Property and Planning Law
Brush up on your knowledge of property and planning law before the interview. Be prepared to discuss recent developments or cases that have influenced the field. This shows your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Prioritisation Skills
Since the role requires managing a varied workload, think of examples where you've successfully prioritised tasks under pressure. Share specific instances that highlight your ability to meet deadlines while maintaining quality work.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Abilities
As the position involves oversight of junior members, be ready to discuss your experience in mentoring or collaborating with others. Highlight how you maintain good relationships and foster a positive team environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the hybrid working model, and the council's approach to legal challenges. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
