Interim Litigation Lawyer Legal Services

Job Ref: Darlington 6335415163053

Pay Rate: 27.00 per hour PAYE

Hours per week: 35-37 Monday Friday, normal working hours

Role Length: This opening assignment is for 3-4 months

City: Darlington

A DBS disclosure is listed as a requirement for this role; however, the level of disclosure has not been specified by the client.

The purpose of the role is to act as a key member of the Litigation Team, delivering legal services to the Council and external clients in relation to civil litigation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide a comprehensive and quality legal service on all aspects of civil litigation including debt recovery, housing disrepair claims and employment law matters.
• Provide a strategic and proactive civil litigation advisory and consultancy service to the Council and external clients, including undertaking legal research as required.
• Draft court applications, prepare witness statements, deal with correspondence, brief and instruct counsel and other experts, negotiate with other parties, oversee the preparation of bundles and ensure cases are ready for trial.
• Attend and present cases (subject to rights of audience) including contested hearings at courts, tribunals, panels and other hearings, as required, instructing counsel where appropriate.
• Attend and advise relevant committees or panels, such as Licensing or Introductory Tenancy Appeals.
• Investigate complaints of alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct by Elected Members.
• Assist the Principal Lawyer with the management of the team, including supporting and developing colleagues, demonstrating duties, instructing and checking the work of others.
• Ensure that all matters within your care and conduct are properly and expeditiously progressed in accordance with best practice.

Qualifications:

1. A qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with a current practising certificate and rights of audience.

Skills & Experience:

1. Minimum of 12 months recent experience in a similar role, or context and ideally within a public sector organisation.
2. Working knowledge / practical experience of dealing with civil litigation.
3. Experience of attending and presenting cases at courts, panels, hearings and tribunals.
4. Experience of interpreting legislation, case law, policy or procedures to give recommendations/advice.
5. Experience of effective negotiating to reach satisfactory outcomes.
6. Be able to communicate well, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues, members, external organisations and the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English.
7. Strong IT skills including Microsoft packages or equivalent (e.g. G Suite).