At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal expertise on diverse projects, including property transactions and contract advice.
- Company: Join West Dunbartonshire Council, a top flexible employer committed to work-life balance.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and access to a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours available, with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working on challenging legal projects that support community goals.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor with a current Practising Certificate from the Law Society of Scotland.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
The post is part-time, the salary will be pro-rata'd to the hours worked. The post is currently 17.5 hours per week with an option to extend to 23.5 hours per week. West Dunbartonshire Council is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Solicitor to join our dynamic Commercial and Place Team. This is an exciting opportunity to work on high value, diverse and challenging projects providing legal expertise to support the Council’s strategic priorities and outcomes.
In addition it is expected the solicitor will undertake various forms of conveyancing, such as sales and purchase, in particular the Council’s Buy Back scheme of former Council houses; title research and advice; leases or lease management documentation; providing advice to other Council services on property and commercial matters, including but not restricted to Planning, Roads and Assets; the solicitor will also likely be required to provide advice and assistance for contracts and procurement. These projects are challenging from a legal perspective requiring the solicitor to exhibit knowledge and practical experience of often complex property transactions.
You should be an excellent communicator with the ability to work to deadlines and manage a large caseload. Additionally you will advise Council officers on the Council’s internal governance arrangements in respect of various contract and property matters. You must be admitted as a solicitor by the Law Society of Scotland and hold a current unrestricted Practising Certificate.
The preferred candidate will be required to complete a Level 2 (Standard) Disclosure check prior to a formal offer being made by West Dunbartonshire Council. The employment for which you are applying is excepted from the provisions of section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order 1975. Applicants are, therefore, not statutorily entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are "spent" under the provisions of the Act. In the event of employment any failure to disclose such convictions could result in dismissal or disciplinary action.
Under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, which introduced restrictions on some posts on the basis of one or more defined criteria, this post has been deemed "politically restricted". This is an exciting opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects providing legal expertise to support the Council’s strategic priorities and outcomes.
The successful candidate will benefit from the following: West Dunbartonshire Council was voted one of the top ten flexible employers and prides itself in providing flexible working to support work life balance. In addition to this there are also additional benefits:
- Access to the Local Government pension scheme (LGPS) with an employer’s contribution of at least 19.3% and all associated benefits
- A minimum of 25 days annual leave, increasing a day each year up to 35 days as well as 8 fixed public holidays each year
- Access to employee wellbeing supports including occupational health
Solicitor (Contracts & Property) (Part-Time) - WDN06497 employer: West Dunbartonshire Council
West Dunbartonshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a part-time Solicitor role that allows for a flexible work-life balance while engaging in meaningful legal work on diverse and challenging projects. Employees benefit from a supportive work culture, generous annual leave, access to a robust pension scheme, and comprehensive wellbeing support, making it an attractive place for professional growth and job satisfaction.
Contact Detail:
West Dunbartonshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor (Contracts & Property) (Part-Time) - WDN06497
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in property and contracts. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local government law and recent property transactions. We want you to showcase your expertise and enthusiasm for the role, so practice answering common interview questions related to conveyancing and contract management.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to tailor your approach! When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in property law and any specific projects you've worked on that align with the Council’s strategic priorities.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in the interviewer's mind. It shows your professionalism and genuine interest in the position, which is always a plus!
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor (Contracts & Property) (Part-Time) - WDN06497
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in contracts and property law. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of our Commercial and Place Team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an excellent communicator, it's crucial to demonstrate this in your written application. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas and experiences, as this reflects your ability to manage a large caseload effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any previous work with property transactions or conveyancing. We’re looking for practical experience, so share examples that showcase your knowledge in these areas.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Dunbartonshire Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of property law and conveyancing. Familiarise yourself with the Council’s Buy Back scheme and any recent changes in legislation that might affect your role. This will show that you're not just a qualified solicitor, but someone who is genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a solicitor, you'll need to communicate complex legal concepts clearly. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully explained legal matters to non-legal colleagues or clients. This will demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively within the Council's team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to property transactions or contract negotiations. Think through how you would handle various challenges, such as a dispute over a lease agreement or advising on procurement issues. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Understand the Council's Goals
Research West Dunbartonshire Council’s strategic priorities and outcomes. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals. Showing that you understand their mission and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
