At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Place Team as a Lawyer, handling complex legal cases and advising on property matters.
- Company: Wigan Council, awarded 'Overall Council of the Year', is dedicated to community improvement and legal excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development opportunities, and exclusive rewards for your hard work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government while growing your legal career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: You must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Legal Executive with experience in legal advice and negotiations.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Wigan
Full Time
£35,235 – £39,513
Permanent
Expires 06/04/2025
About the Role
Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instance
Wigan Town Hall
Library Street
Wigan
WN1 1YN
Salary: Grade 8, £35,235 – £39,513 per annum.
37 hours per week
Your role:
As a Lawyer Place you will be part of a client focussed and outcomes driven legal and democratic function. Your role will be in the Place Team which covers the areas of law of Land and Property including property related housing, Major Projects and Regeneration, Contracts and Procurement.
You will handle a legal caseload which may include complex and legally challenging matters, drafting legal documents and engaging in commercial and contractual negotiations with parties as appropriate.
You will advise and guide officers of the Council on Land and Property matters always considering the broader implications of operating in a local government environment.
About you:
You will be a Solicitor with a current practicing certificate or have an equivalent Barrister or Legal Executive qualification. You will be an enthusiastic, highly motivated and professional individual with experience of providing legal advice to assist and guide clients when making decisions.
You will have experience of handling a personal caseload of legal cases including complex and significant matters. You will be able to engage in commercial and contractual negotiations with parties as appropriate.
You will have a proven track record in working in a pressured and deadline driven environment and be able to represent the service and the Council at a local and regional level as necessary.
About us:
Wigan Council has been voted ‘Overall Council of the Year’ at the APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Awards. We are signed up to the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment ensuring that your service will be continuous or \’unbroken\’ between the supporting organisations.
The Progress with Unity plan is a place movement for change for the next decade, bringing a new era for Wigan Borough. It draws on the strengths of our individual organisations, recognising that together we can achieve much more for our communities by delivering on our 2 place missions; create fair opportunities for all children, families, residents and businesses and make our towns and neighbourhoods flourish for those who live and work in them.
Our Legal team provides high quality legal advice to Senior Leaders, Elected Members, Council Officers, partner organisations and other key stakeholders across the public and private sector on a range of legal matters.
We aim to offer services which are good value for money, innovative in their approach and delivery, risk aware not risk averse and open to doing things differently. We adopt a collaborative approach with all our clients’ ensuring we are embedded in all their processes and decision making.
We are committed to the continuous professional development of our staff which includes the payment of professional fees, a wide range of training opportunities and management development. Our commitment to continuous professional development has seen us shortlisted for the Lawyers in Local Government Excellence in training award 2024.
Here at Wigan, we are proud to support flexible working patterns, when the service can accommodate this. We also take a blended approach to where we work, depending on the work we do. This may include working from home, the office, or the community. We like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of exclusive rewards and benefits.
Wigan Council prides itself on equality, inclusion and promoting diversity within the borough and aims to recruit a workforce that reflects our diverse communities. We invest in training and developing our staff, in a positive learning environment, and aim to be a consciously inclusive employer. We welcome applications from everybody in the community and would particularly encourage applicants from our underrepresented groups to apply. At Wigan, it is really important to us that applicants demonstrate our Team Wigan behaviours, and we do all we can to make sure that everyone feels like they belong. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.
To be appointed to this role you must be able to prove your right to work in the UK. Please visit the link below to check you qualify to apply. Please note, at present we are not a licenced sponsor. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
For an informal discussion please contact Claire Foster, Group Lawyer via email.
Interview date: Week Commencing Monday 14th April 2025
To view the details relating to this position, please click the links below:
Job Specificaton
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Lawyer - Place employer: Wigan Council
Contact Detail:
Wigan Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer - Place
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific areas of law that the Place Team covers, such as Land and Property, Major Projects, and Regeneration. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in local government or similar legal roles. Attend relevant events or join online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in handling complex legal cases during the interview. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated challenging situations and what outcomes you achieved.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand Wigan Council's values and their commitment to equality, inclusion, and diversity. Be prepared to articulate how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to fostering an inclusive environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer - Place
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Land and Property law, as well as any previous roles where you provided legal advice. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to handle complex legal matters.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the values of Wigan Council. Mention your qualifications, such as your Solicitor status or equivalent, and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills that are crucial for the role, such as commercial negotiation, legal drafting, and the ability to work under pressure. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in past positions.
Demonstrate Commitment to Professional Development: Mention any ongoing training or professional development activities you are involved in. This shows your commitment to continuous improvement, which is valued by Wigan Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wigan Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly understand the specific duties of a Lawyer in the Place Team. Familiarise yourself with areas such as Land and Property law, Major Projects, and Regeneration. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Prepare for Legal Scenarios
Anticipate questions related to complex legal cases and be ready to discuss your previous experiences handling similar matters. Think about specific examples where you provided legal advice or engaged in negotiations, as this will showcase your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills
Wigan Council values a collaborative approach. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked with various stakeholders in the past, particularly in a local government context. Highlight your ability to embed yourself in processes and decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Commitment to Continuous Development
Wigan Council is committed to professional development. Share any relevant training or qualifications you've pursued, and express your enthusiasm for ongoing learning. This shows that you're proactive and dedicated to improving your skills.