Lawyers

Harborough District Council; Great Bowden; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in the United Kingdom is seeking two Senior Lawyers. One role focuses on planning law and the other on contracts and procurement. Candidates should have several years of post-qualification experience and a qualified legal background. The positions offer competitive salaries and the opportunity for part-time or job-share arrangements depending on individual needs.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Market supplement based on experience

Qualifications

• Proven experience in the public sector or private practice.
• Several years post-qualification experience in planning law or contracts and procurement law.
• Experience of handling a broad caseload.

Responsibilities

• Handle a caseload of complex and sensitive legal issues.
• Provide training and support to other officers in legal procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all Council policies and statutory requirements.
• Promote a culture of excellent customer service.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving skills

Ability to manage competing demands

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEx with current practising certificate

Job description

We are seeking two dynamic and experienced Lawyers to join the Council's Legal Services team as Senior Lawyers. These roles are pivotal in ensuring the Council's activities are conducted lawfully and transparently, contributing to the Council's goal of continuous improvement in service quality, cost efficiency, and customer responsiveness.

The roles require ensuring that the implications of local government law are understood and complied with, including the statutory requirement within the Council. You will draft and advise on reports for Cabinet, Council Committees, and other meetings as required, ensuring that all procedural and standing order requirements are complied with.

Key responsibilities include:

• Handling a caseload of complex and sensitive legal issues.
• Providing training and support to other officers in legal procedures.
• Ensuring compliance with all Council policies and statutory requirements.
• Promoting a culture of excellent customer service and continuous improvement.

Requirements include:

• Proven experience in the public sector or in private practice.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing demands and tight deadlines.
• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEx with a current England & Wales practising certificate.

Specific key responsibilities for each role are:

Senior Lawyer - Planning

Lead and manage the delivery of legal services in planning matters. Several years post-qualification experience in planning law, including s.106 agreements, planning appeals, and enforcement.

Senior Lawyer - Contracts & Procurement

Lead and manage the delivery of legal services in contracts and procurement matters. Several years post-qualification experience in contracts and procurement law, including preparing contract documentation, advising on compliance and governance requirements, and negotiating agreements.

About You: In these roles, you will be expected to display sound decision-making, excellent interpersonal and influencing skills. You will be confident in public speaking and problem-solving. As a self-motivated individual with a commitment to achieving targets, you will be an organized professional with experience of handling a broad caseload.

Harborough District Council is committed to delivering high-quality services to its community in Market Harborough, the town of Lutterworth, part of the Leicester urban area, and numerous villages and surrounding rural areas. Market Harborough is a charming English market town known for its historic architecture, vibrant market, and picturesque countryside.

Salary: Grade 10 - £51,356 to £54,495 pa pro rata for part-time. This post attracts a market supplement of up to 5% of starting annual salary depending on experience.

Status: Contracts and procurement Senior Lawyer - full-time permanent (37 hours per week), Planning Senior Lawyer - part-time permanent (22.2 hours per week). We understand that for most, home life is a priority, so we are happy to consider either role on a part-time or job-share basis.