Legal Officer

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council; Stockton-on-Tees; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local council seeks a motivated Legal Officer to join their busy legal team. This role involves supporting the Adult, Education, and Litigation sectors, contributing to various legal projects, and providing opportunities for personal development and flexible working arrangements. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to legal excellence.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

Local government pension

Car lease scheme

Retail discounts

Employee assistance programs

Physiotherapy services

Flexible working from home

Qualifications

• Experience in Adult Social Care, Litigation, and Education preferable.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritize workload.
• Flexible working approach valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support across Adult Social Services, Education, and Litigation.
• Collaborate with other team members on case management.
• Work under tight deadlines and high personal standards.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

ICT proficiency

Education

Interest in legal knowledge

Job description

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s in-house legal team has an exciting opportunity for a Legal Officer to join our busy and friendly Legal Practice Team.

You will predominantly provide legal support to the Adult, Education, and Litigation Team but will be involved with other areas of work within the Legal Practice Team. This is a varied role, so you need to:

• be an excellent communicator with good written English
• enjoy working as part of a team
• have good attention to detail
• be confident and accurate using ICT
• be well organized
• have experience or interest in developing your legal knowledge, skills, and experience, particularly in Adult Social Care, Litigation, and Education, but also in other areas of work
• enjoy working flexibly

As a Legal Officer, you will support the team dealing with a range of Adult Social Services, Education, and Litigation issues, so experience in these areas would be desirable. However, as part of a wider team, you will also support other areas, including children’s social care, property, contracts, commercial work, and general case management. We are seeking to recruit one Legal Officer with a focus on Adults, Education, and Litigation work but with flexibility to cover other work types.

We are a busy team, often working to tight deadlines, so high personal standards and the ability to work under pressure and prioritize work are essential. This is an excellent opportunity to build on your experience and gain insight into various legal disciplines within a diverse organization.

About us

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is a great place to work. We work hard but are valued, trusted, and supported to be the best we can be. This is an exciting time to join the Council and contribute to its ambitious long-term vision to be bold, brave, and innovative in our approach and work with partners and communities.

What we offer

The Council’s Legal Team is divided into three core areas providing legal advice and support across various disciplines. We will support and train you to undertake the required legal work.

The Council offers opportunities for personal development through various initiatives and training. We provide a competitive salary, generous annual leave, learning and development opportunities, a local government pension with optional additional contributions, and benefits such as a car lease scheme, retail discounts, employee assistance programs, and physiotherapy services. The successful candidate can work flexibly from home part of the week, depending on service needs.

For detailed information about the role, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification in the Supporting Documents section.

For more about working for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, visit our Careers page: www.stockton.gov.uk/careers

For an informal discussion about the post, contact Elaine Garrett, Legal Practice Manager, at 01642 526510 or [e-mail]; Julie Butcher, Head of Legal Services, at 01642 526310 or [e-mail]; or Rebecca Jackson, Lead Solicitor for Adults, Education, and Litigation, at 01642 520000 or [e-mail].

Please note that all application communications will be sent to your registered email with North East Jobs, including interview invitations if shortlisted. Check your email after the closing date for notifications from ‘[e-mail]’. All messages will also be available in your North East Jobs account.