Principal Legal Officer

Job title: Principal Legal Officer (Anti-Social Behaviour litigator)

Salary: PO4 £46,142 - £49,282

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: Civic Hall Leeds.

Leeds City Council is a progressive authority which works closely with local communities and businesses and partner agencies to create a vibrant and economically thriving city. Our ASB legal team is highly regarded in the region, local courts and WY Police.

We are looking for a qualified lawyer with experience in, or knowledge of ASB law and litigation, who will be required to undertake a substantial personal caseload of contentious and non-contentious legal professional work in Anti-Social Behaviour law.

Leeds City Council is 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

As a Principal Legal Officer, you will bring to the role:

• An enthusiasm to work with partner agencies to find solutions for unique anti-social behaviour cases and bring respite to those effected;
• An objective mindset ensuring that a "One Council" approach is maintained;
• the ability to be the advocate in applications appropriate to your grade in the County Court and Magistrates Court;
• a "can do" attitude and the ability to work as part of a team, be flexible, enthusiastic and committed to supporting the work of the wider Legal Service.

About the role

The role is integral to the Council's ambitions and Safer Leeds Strategy to combat ASB across the city. In doing this role you will make a real difference to the people of Leeds who have been blighted by anti-social behaviour.

You will advise on a wide range of ASB and Housing Possession matters, working closely with council colleagues and third parties to find pragmatic and innovative solutions to issues; and make the case in a courtroom as an advocate or with a barrister.

As part of a small team, you will work closely with a more senior advocate dedicated to ASB casework also. The role has the opportunity for promotion for the right candidate.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words.

Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Richard des Forges, Team Leader by calling 0113 3789073 or email [email protected]

Interviews will take place in May/June.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, 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, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job Purpose: The post is funded specifically to carry out legal work on Anti-social Behaviour cases brought by the Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team (LASBT). The post is a junior qualified post within the section. The section in which the post sits covers the following areas of work: Anti-Social Behaviour, Prosecutions, Licensing, Employment, Education, and Adult Social Care. The postholder will 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 Leeds Ambitions. The post holder would be expected to deal with advice and contested hearings, with more complex advice and advocacy being dealt with by higher graded officers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Undertake a substantial personal caseload of legal professional work primarily in Anti-Social Behaviour law. The post holder will be expected to have this area of work as a focus but also to provide support on other areas of law as required, and any other local government legal matters and /or matters dealt with by Legal Services.
• To give legal advice and draft legal documentation
• Contribute directly to the generation of external income and work flexibly across the Service as and when required.
• Undertake a substantial personal caseload of legal matters in one or more areas as set out above
• Draft and issue court and other documentation as necessary including instructions to counsel.
• Conduct preparatory work as necessary to ensure effective presentation of cases to court and provide advice/updates as to the progression of cases and the value of particular strategies
• Attend court with counsel as instructing representative if required
• Undertake advocacy on cases where appropriate including contested hearings.
• Work flexibly to support other staff across the Service and as part of a team to cover court, tribunal/inquiries/appeals commitments and other work as required.
• Provide advice to clients both orally and in writing.
• To provide and develop high quality legal services for clients
• Maintain an awareness of all legislative and case law developments which might impact on the work of clients and advise them as appropriate.
• Prepare and deliver training for clients and colleagues with regard to law and practice relating to their functions and work.
• Contribute directly to the generation of external income.
• Meet all professional requirements, for example and as appropriate, the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) competence framework in relation to personal development and SRA Standards and Regulations.
• Undertake work for other authorities under partnership and/or other arrangements
• Attend meetings and courts outside the boundaries of Leeds City Council as required
• Carry out such other duties within Legal Services and the Council, and for other clients as required commensurate with the grade
• Be flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
• Participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, money laundering, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values, standards and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.
• The duties outlined are not meant ...