Solicitor in Knowsley

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality legal and procedural advice and services to Coventry City Council, Cabinet, elected members, services and departments, primarily in the area of Employment Law. The post holder will manage a caseload of legal matters, provide effective client-focused advice and representation, and support the Council in meeting its legal and procedural obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal advice and services, primarily in relation to Employment Law.
• Manage and have conduct of a caseload of predominantly Employment Law matters, largely unsupervised and in accordance with good legal practice and client service standards.
• Provide legal advice and support on other areas as required, including civil and criminal litigation, education and SEND, housing, trading standards, licensing, environmental and planning enforcement, and Assets of Community Value matters.
• Represent the Council as an advocate at Employment Tribunal preliminary hearings and, where required, other courts and tribunals, including the Magistrates' Court and SEND Tribunal.
• Instruct and work effectively with Counsel where appropriate, including assisting Counsel with the preparation and presentation of cases.
• Undertake the general duties of a local government solicitor as directed by the Head of Legal Services.
• Maintain appropriate legal records, case management information and accurate time recording.
• Support the effective operation of Legal Services systems and procedures.
• Assist with monitoring and management of the Litigation Team budget where required.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Law Society professional standards and the Council's policies, procedures, rules and requirements.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Council staff, Human Resources, elected members, members of the public, external solicitors, barristers, the judiciary and other public and private organisations.
• Carry out other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the role as required.

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified solicitor with the ability to practise in accordance with applicable professional requirements.
• Relevant experience in Employment Law and the ability to manage a caseload with a high degree of autonomy.
• Strong knowledge of legal practice and procedures relevant to local government and Employment Law.
• Experience of advising clients and providing clear, practical and commercially aware legal advice.
• Ability to conduct legal matters effectively from initial instruction through to completion.
• Advocacy experience or the ability to represent clients effectively before courts and tribunals.
• Ability to assess legal risks, identify appropriate courses of action and provide sound professional advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and case management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing workloads and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and external legal professionals.
• Commitment to maintaining professional standards and complying with organisational policies and procedures.

Desirable

• Previous experience working as a solicitor within a local authority or public sector organisation.
• Experience of Employment Tribunal proceedings.
• Experience in other areas of local government law, including litigation, education/SEND, housing or regulatory law.
• Experience of instructing and working with Counsel.
• Familiarity with local government procedures, governance and decision-making processes.

Additional Information

Location: Knowsley MBC

Hours per week: 28

Bi-Weekly Payments