Solicitor - DGA13517 in Dumfries

Following a significant review and reorganisation, the Council's Legal Service is entering into its final phase of growth and implementation and is therefore looking to appoint a talented litigation solicitor to join our established highly regarded team.

The role offers the chance to work at the heart of the organisation managing a diverse range of complex and high profile matters. The successful candidate will undertake a varied and challenging workload across litigation, investigations, reviews, regulatory matters, information governance and committee support. In addition, you will provide legal advice and support to key Council services, including education, health and social care, environmental and licensing services, employment matters, and general commercial litigation.

Working closely with senior officers, elected members and stakeholders across a range of jurisdictions, you will play a key role in supporting decision-making at the highest level of the organisation. This is a fast-paced and rewarding environment where no two days are the same.

We are looking for a lawyer with strong litigation experience, excellent legal judgement and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues with confidence. You will combine technical expertise with political awareness, sound decision-making skills and the resilience to thrive in a demanding and varied role.

Dumfries and Galloway Council has modernised its ways of working, through our Smarter Working Policy. Legal Services operates a hybrid working model, providing a balance of office-based collaboration and home working.

We welcome applications from solicitors with experience in local government or other statutory advisory environments. We would also be delighted to hear from candidates with a strong interest in public sector law and a genuine enthusiasm for developing their expertise within local government practice.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the delivery of public services while developing your career within a supportive, forward-thinking legal team.

The successful post holder must:

• Hold a degree in Scots Law and Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
• Be admitted as a solicitor by the Law Society of Scotland and hold a current unrestricted Practising Certificate.
• Have a good working knowledge of Scots Law.
• The post holder will require to hold / undergo PVG registration.
• Have good knowledge of current and impending legislation and practice areas, and an understanding of the impacts on the public sector.
• Have knowledge and experience of delivering legal advice in the Local Government/Public Sector.
• Good experience of providing support and advice with minimal supervision in one or more of the following areas of Law:
• Court and Tribunal
• Social Work
• Education
• Licensing
• Employment
• Environmental Health / Trading Standards
• Governance and/or other public sector matters
• Expertise or a willingness to develop expertise in Social Work law, education, licensing and/or environmental matters is highly desirable for this position.
• General litigation and representation experience, providing support and advice with minimal supervision.
• Experience of supporting clients/employers to develop policies/strategies.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage varied and challenged workload.
• Effective time-management skills and prioritisation.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft packages – Outlook, Word, case/file management systems etc.
• Drafting and negotiation skills.
• Legal Research skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a Team.
• Self-confident and self-motivated.
• Fostering client relationships and good resolutions.
• Able to form productive working relations with various Council officials, elected members, and external solicitors.
• Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs and demands of the service.
• Appreciation, acceptance of and a commitment to the importance of confidentiality.
• Ability to work from home.
• Ability to attend Court/Council offices at short notice.
• Some knowledge/experience of the following is desirable:
• Experience of operating within a political regime.
• Understanding of local and national strategies and impacts on local government services.
• Experience of supporting committees, sub-committees and other Council led bodies/partnerships.

This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.

With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more. Employees also get access to membership of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.

Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.

For further information please contact:

Jacqueline Holland
Governance and Assurance Manager
Tel: 07920 071064
Email: Jacqueline.Holland@dumgal.gov.uk