At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice and support to West Lothian Council on various matters.
- Company: Join one of Scotland's most successful local authorities in Livingston.
- Benefits: Flexible working, including up to two days remote work per week.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic legal team while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experienced solicitor with strong communication and teamwork abilities.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
36 hours per week, 52.14 weeks per year, Fixed term for 2 years.
Secondment opportunities must be discussed with your current line manager prior to submitting an application for this post.
We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Solicitor post within West Lothian Council’s legal team. This post is suitable for and will be of interest to appropriately experienced, enthusiastic and motivated solicitors.
West Lothian Council is one of Scotland’s most successful local authorities and is based in Livingston. Legal Services provides comprehensive legal and committee services to the council and comprises four teams – Property/Planning, Litigation, Licensing and Committee Services.
This post sits within the Property/Planning team. It is a varied, challenging and rewarding role within a small busy team. As a practitioner within Legal Services, you will be expected to undertake a varied workload and provide advice on the wide range of legal matters affecting the local authority.
The post-holder will also be expected to support development and delivery of training for colleagues and clients as necessary, and may (subject to role) be required to act as Clerk or Legal Advisor to regulatory and other forums.
The successful candidates will have excellent communication and team working skills. They will deliver solution-focused advice to council officers and elected members, in a clear and concise manner, demonstrate a commitment to excellence in client service, and a flexible approach to meeting changing demands and priorities.
This post is full time; however, part-time job share may be considered. This post is categorised as a hybrid post under the Council’s Flexible Working Scheme, which allows for up to two days home working per week.
Senior Solicitor, West Lothian Civic Centre, 504.69 - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - WEL10374 in Livingston employer: West Lothian Council
West Lothian Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment within its legal team at the West Lothian Civic Centre. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the council fosters a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and development through training opportunities. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options, making it an attractive place for solicitors seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Solicitor, West Lothian Civic Centre, 504.69 - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - WEL10374 in Livingston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into West Lothian Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of local authority law and the specific challenges facing West Lothian Council. Show us you’re not just a solicitor, but the right solicitor for this role!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to deliver clear and concise advice, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Solicitor, West Lothian Civic Centre, 504.69 - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - WEL10374 in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Senior Solicitor role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what they’re looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your excellent communication and team working skills. Share specific examples of how you've delivered solution-focused advice in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. The hiring team will appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make your points easy to understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all submissions.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Lothian Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legal principles relevant to the Property/Planning team. Be ready to discuss recent cases or legislation that could impact local authorities, as this will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is a must for this position, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex legal advice in the past. Think about times when you had to tailor your message for different audiences, like council officers or elected members.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role is all about teamwork, so come prepared with examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have in training colleagues or working within a small team to tackle challenges together.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
With the hybrid working model in place, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and adapt to changing demands. Share examples of how you've successfully balanced multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, showing that you're ready for the dynamic nature of the role.
