Principal Legal Officer - Leeds, United Kingdom - Leeds City Council

Leeds City Council

Verified Company

Leeds, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

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Description

Leeds City Council is looking to recruit a full time permanent principal legal officer.

You will be required to undertake a substantial personal caseload (non-contentious) of complex legal professional work in the commercial property team with a focus on complex regeneration projects, high value commercial property transactions and secured lending, and to advise as required on subsidy control.

You will also be expected to provide support on at least one other area of law as required, and any other local government legal matters and /or matters dealt with by Legal Services.

Leeds City Council is an award winning and progressive authority which works closely with local communities and businesses to create a vibrant and economically thriving city.

We are one of one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions

About You

You must also have good interpersonal skills, and be able to prioritise your own workload and work to tight deadlines.

You must be able to work as part of a team and be flexible, enthusiastic and committed.

What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays

- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is an Inclusive employer, ranked 70 on the Stonewall top 100 employers 2023 list. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply

Job Purpose:

To provide a high quality, value for money legal service, which actively supports the delivery of the council's strategic objectives as set out in the Best Council Plan.

To undertake a substantial personal caseload of non contentious complex legal professional work, primarily on complex regeneration projects, high value commercial property transactions and secure lending legal work.

The post holder will be expected to provide support in at least one other area of law covered by the section, and any other local government legal matters as required.

To support the generation of external income in the section and across the service

To take an active role in coaching and mentoring staff within the section and service.

RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will be part of a large team and will also work with internal clients (including, senior officers), elected members, external clients, other stakeholders and partners across the city and region to achieve excellent outcomes for the citizens of Leeds.

RESPONSIBILITIES

To undertake a substantial complex personal caseload of commercial property, major regeneration schemes, secured lending work and other areas covered by the section as required.
To draft complex legal documentation as necessary relevant to the job role
To conduct research and preparatory work as necessary to ensure effective presentation of cases and advise as to the progression of cases and the value of particular strategies
To draft and issue court proceedings and other documentation such as instructions to counsel as necessary relevant to the job role.
To foster and deliver a "can do" attitude with regard to all aspects of the role, including advising and supporting colleagues, clients and members; contributing to change; and increasing external income generation.
To establish, develop and maintain effective relationships with a range of internal colleagues and external stakeholders and parties including members, directors and senior officers to improve and enhance service delivery.
To support other staff within the section and service as required.
To work flexibly as part of a team to cover court and tribunal commitments and other work as required.
To provide legal advice and support to committees.
To provide advice to clients both orally and in writing, including in relation to complex matters.
To maintain an awareness of all legislative and case law developments which might impact on the work of colleagues and clients and advise them as appropriate.
To provide training to colleagues and clients.
To live the council's values in demonstrable ways.
To meet all professional requirements, for example and as appropriate the SRA (Solicitors Reg