At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality legal advice and support to the Council on various legal matters.
- Company: Join a local authority committed to effective governance and community service.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape local policies and support community projects while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or equivalent with experience in local government legal practice.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
- Contract | Civic Recruitment Limited | United Kingdom
- Job Information
- Legal / Security / Law
- City Swindon
- Province Wiltshire
- Postal Code SN1
Job Description
- 3 Month Contract With A Local Authority
- Job Purpose
The Solicitor will provide a high-quality legal service to the Council, delivering professional legal advice, support, representation and documentation within their area of expertise.
The post holder will provide clear and practical legal guidance, assess legal risks and support Council departments in achieving their objectives in an efficient, effective and cost-conscious manner.
Working as part of the Legal Services team, the Solicitor will manage a caseload of legal matters, undertake legal research, prepare and negotiate legal documentation, represent the Council in proceedings and provide advice to officers, Members and external stakeholders.
The role requires the development of effective working relationships across the Council and with external partners, ensuring legal advice is accurate, timely, proportionate and aligned with legislation, professional standards and Council priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide accurate, timely and practical legal advice, representation and support to Council officers and Members on a range of legal matters.
- Manage a personal caseload of files, ensuring effective case management and progression of legal matters.
- Conduct legal research, analyse legislation, case law, evidence and documentation to identify solutions and provide appropriate legal advice.
- Review and interpret complex information and evidence provided by client departments and external parties.
- Represent the Council in legal proceedings, including hearings, appeals, tribunals and other formal processes where required.
- Draft, negotiate and complete legal documentation, agreements, contracts and other legal materials.
- Provide specialist legal advice within relevant areas, including property, planning, regeneration, development, commercial matters and related local government functions.
- Advise officers on planning and development matters, including planning procedures, enforcement, appeals, public inquiries, development agreements and statutory obligations.
- Provide legal advice relating to property matters, including acquisitions, disposals, leases, licences, landlord and tenant matters, covenants, easements and property transactions.
- Support the preparation of legal cases for public inquiries, appeals and hearings, including instructing Counsel where required.
- Advise on regeneration projects, land transactions, joint ventures and commercial property matters.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including local government, planning, property and constitutional requirements.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, regulations, case law, policy developments and professional guidance relevant to the role.
- Use legal case management systems, templates and departmental procedures effectively.
- Provide advice and support at internal and external meetings, including Committees, Cabinet, working groups and partnership meetings.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with Council departments, senior officers, elected Members and external organisations.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of professional standards within Legal Services.
- Support and mentor trainee solicitors, legal assistants and legal support officers where required.
- Participate in team meetings, briefings, training, supervision and performance development activities.
- Ensure confidentiality and appropriate handling of sensitive information, including secure electronic storage, encryption and redaction of documentation.
- Complete mandatory training requirements, including data protection, equality and diversity and other Council learning requirements.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion throughout all areas of legal practice.
- Protect the reputation of the Council through professional, responsive and high-quality legal support.
- Support continuous improvement of legal processes, procedures and service delivery.
- Participate in emergency response arrangements and undertake urgent legal work outside normal working hours where required.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role, grade and level of responsibility.
Requirements
Qualifications and Knowledge
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (FILEX/CILEX) with a current practising certificate.
- Admission to the relevant professional regulatory body.
- Knowledge and experience of local government legal practice and governance arrangements.
- Knowledge and experience within property, planning, regeneration or commercial legal services.
- Understanding of planning legislation, development control processes and Planning Committee procedures.
- Knowledge of property law, including acquisitions, disposals, leases, licences, landlord and tenant matters, restrictive covenants and property transactions.
- Understanding of local government statutory duties, including best value requirements under relevant legislation.
- Knowledge of legal procedures relating to appeals, judicial review and public inquiries would be desirable.
- Understanding of the political environment and decision-making processes within local government.
Experience
- Experience providing legal advice within a local authority, public sector or comparable legal environment.
- Experience managing a caseload and conducting legal matters independently.
- Experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating legal agreements and documentation.
- Experience advising officers and stakeholders on complex legal issues.
- Experience supporting planning, property, regeneration or commercial projects.
- Experience representing clients in negotiations, hearings, appeals or formal proceedings.
- Experience working under pressure, managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines.
- Experience providing clear written and verbal advice tailored to different audiences.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex legal issues.
- Ability to provide balanced, practical and risk-based legal advice.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to explain complex legal matters clearly to non-legal audiences.
- Ability to work independently, manage workload effectively and make sound decisions.
- Ability to prioritise competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to build strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to draft clear, accurate and legally robust documentation.
- Ability to adapt legal advice to support departmental and corporate objectives.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining high professional standards.
- Additional Information
Location
- Swindon Council offices and other locations as required
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Planning Solicitor employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an exceptional employer that prioritises meaningful impact in the community, particularly for children and families. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to drive positive change while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment in Ipswich. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead significant projects that align with national reforms, making a real difference in the lives of those served.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Solicitor
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Civic Recruitment Limited does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Civic Recruitment Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Solicitor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Civic Recruitment Limited and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Planning Solicitor role at Civic Recruitment Limited. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Civic Recruitment Limited.
