At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support for affordable housing projects and manage your own caseload.
- Company: Join Fife Council, a leader in delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities by supporting vital housing initiatives.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor with experience in construction or housing law.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Fife Council is delivering one of Scotland's largest affordable housing programmes, providing high-quality, energy-efficient homes for communities across Fife. With a significant pipeline of new build developments, acquisitions, land-led opportunities and regeneration projects, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Construction Solicitor to join our team and support the delivery of these ambitions.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the delivery of housing across Fife. Located in the Legal Property and Contracts Team within Legal Services you will support the Affordable Housing Programme by providing legal assistance in relation to land assembly, development agreements, consultant appointments, construction contracts and associated legal matters.
Working closely with colleagues in Housing, Property Services, Finance, Procurement and the Affordable Housing Programme Team, you will be responsible for managing your own caseload and providing commercially focused legal advice ranging from procurement and contract award to project completion, defects management, claims and dispute resolution.
You will advise on contractor performance issues, contract administration matters, claims, defects, extensions of time, payment disputes, contract interpretation and termination provisions, contractor insolvency, and project recovery and risk mitigation strategies.
You will contribute to reports, briefings and advice for senior management, committees and elected members, working collaboratively with colleagues across the Council and external legal advisers to support the successful delivery of the programme.
The Person
We are looking for a Solicitor with knowledge, skills and experience in construction, commercial and/or housing law with a strong understanding of the commercial and practical challenges of complex construction, development and housing matters. Experience of working in the public sector and provision of affordable housing and regeneration projects with an understanding of procurement frameworks would be advantageous, as would familiarity of contentious and non-contentious construction matters.
You will possess excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical and communication skills and be able to provide clear, practical and solution-focused legal advice to a wide range of stakeholders. You should be capable of working under limited supervision, managing a varied caseload and developing effective working relationships within multi-disciplinary teams.
You should hold a Law Degree (LLB) and a Diploma in Legal Practice or an equivalent. You also should be a qualified solicitor holding, or eligible to hold, an unrestricted Practicing Certificate issued by the Law Society of Scotland, be able to work under limited supervision with well-developed communication and IT skills.
As a progressive employer, we offer the opportunity to work in this role as a "blended working" arrangement with home-working opportunities and occasional office-working as required. While the significant part of the role can and will be carried out remotely, candidates should be able to travel to and attend office locations in Fife as required.
Solicitor (Affordable Housing and Construction) in Glenrothes employer: Centreforequalities
Centreforequalities is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of both its staff and the children in its care. Located in Kirkcaldy, the organisation fosters a supportive work culture with ample training opportunities and a commitment to employee growth, alongside benefits such as membership in the Fife Pension Fund and a generous holiday allowance. Joining our team means making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people while enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor (Affordable Housing and Construction) in Glenrothes
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
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We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor (Affordable Housing and Construction) in Glenrothes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Centreforequalities, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Centreforequalities and the specific role of Solicitor (Affordable Housing and Construction). Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Centreforequalities’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Centreforequalities
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Centreforequalities.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Centreforequalities.
