Solicitor - DGA12263

Dumfries and Galloway Council is expanding its Legal and Licensing Service and is looking to recruit a solicitor to join the Court and Licensing Team. We welcome applications from individuals with enthusiasm and specialist experience in Court work, particularly those with experience in Social Work (Children and Adults), including child protection, adults with incapacity, and permanence, which are highly desirable for this role. The successful candidate will handle Civil Court work and advise key clients on potentially contentious issues across various subject areas.

Dumfries and Galloway Council has modernized its working practices through our Smarter Working Policy and legal case management system. Our flexible working approach offers opportunities to manage your time effectively and achieve a better work/life balance.

Requirements for the role include:

• A degree in Scots Law (or equivalent) and Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
• Admission as a solicitor by the Law Society of Scotland and holding a current, unrestricted Practising Certificate.
• Good working knowledge of Scots Law.
• Knowledge of current and upcoming legislation in social work law and civil court procedures, as these are crucial to the role.
• The key client will be Social Work Services.
• An understanding or willingness to learn about the impacts on the public sector.

We are also interested in candidates with experience in areas such as Education, Employment, Trading Standards, Anti-Social Behaviour, debt enforcement/sequestration, and licensing.

Essential skills include:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage a varied and challenging workload.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills.
• Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and case/file management systems.
• Organizational and file management skills.
• Ability to provide clear and targeted advice.
• Drafting and negotiation skills.
• Legal research skills and experience with online research tools.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Self-confidence and motivation.
• Ability to foster client relationships and achieve good resolutions.
• Ability to collaborate with Council officers, elected members, and external solicitors.
• Flexibility to meet the service's needs.
• Commitment to confidentiality.

PVG Membership will be required for this role.

Desirable but not essential:

• Experience delivering legal advice in the Local Government/Public Sector.
• Experience supporting clients/employers in developing policies and strategies.
• Experience operating within a political environment.
• Understanding of local and national strategies impacting local government services.
• Experience supporting committees and partnerships.

We offer an exciting benefits package, including access to the Vivup platform with discounts, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland), a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and wellbeing guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions. At Dumfries and Galloway Council, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, valuing different perspectives and experiences. We especially encourage applications from underrepresented groups.