Contract Solicitor and Senior Legal Officer

Summary: The role of Interim Contract Solicitor and Senior Legal Officer involves providing high-quality legal advice and representation to the Council on matters related to Town and Country Planning and Highway Law. The position requires the delivery of timely legal services while ensuring compliance with statutory obligations and managing legal risks. The post holder will also be responsible for training Council members and officers on relevant legal knowledge. This role operates in a hybrid working environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take responsibility for the delivery of legal advice and support in the following legal areas; Town and Country Planning; Highway Law (including footpaths); and Compulsory Purchase.
• Provide high quality and timely legal advice to the Council, its officers and elected members. Legal advice will take the form of written or oral advice, conduct of proceedings, and drafting of documentation including section 106 agreements, enforcement notices, planning injunctions, reports and issuing court proceedings. The role also involves advocacy before any Court, Tribunal, Inquiry or internal Board/Panel.
• Deputise for the Head of Service, Principal Legal Officers and other Senior Legal Officers as appropriate.
• Prepare and present training programmes to members of the Legal team and other Council officers, partners and elected members to ensure they have relevant up to date legal knowledge to assist them in effectively undertaking their roles.
• Conduct all work in accordance with internal policies and procedures, including the effective use of a case management and time recording system.

Key Skills:

• Qualified and admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court or called as a Barrister or is a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and holding a current practising certificate.
• Knowledge in Planning Law.
• Experience of advocacy.
• A high standard of drafting, negotiating, presentation, communication and personal organisation skills.
• A clear understanding of the impact of Value for Money in the delivery of services.
• Knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework within Local Government and issues relevant to the service responsibilities.
• Demonstration of working successfully with partners, both external and internal to achieve common goals.

Salary (Rate): 42.55

City: Doncaster

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: inside IR35

Seniority Level: Senior

Industry: Legal