Legal Officer - 37 hours

Torbay Council; Torquay; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Torquay is seeking a Legal Officer to support its property, planning, and environment caseload. The role provides a hybrid working environment and opportunities for professional development. Ideal candidates should have analytical skills and knowledge of the legal system. A generous salary, annual leave, and a supportive work environment are offered.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Career Average Re-Valued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme

Flexible hours

Family friendly policies

Lifestyle discounts and health benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Supportive management and team structure

Qualifications

• Experience of working within a legal environment.
• A good level of knowledge of the legal system and landlord and tenant law.
• A basic understanding of local government law in relation to property and disposals.

Responsibilities

• Undertake the role of legal officer to support the property, planning and environment caseload.
• Be actively involved in agendas pertinent to the investment and prosperity of Torbay.
• Attend essential meetings and/or court appearances as required by the remit of the role.

Skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships

Education

5 x GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Maths at Grade C or above

Job description

Overview

Application Deadline: 10 October 2025

Department: Corporate Services

Location: Torbay Council

Compensation: £28,598 - £31,022 / year

Torbay is breath-taking, captivating, and welcoming, occupying a prime position on the south coast of Devon. The council is experiencing investment and a transformation programme that supports the area’s profile and assets. Torbay is a small unitary authority where you can make things happen quickly, with momentum from a shared purpose. The council was awarded ‘Most Improved Council’ at this year’s LGC Awards. The council aims to deliver high-quality services to local people and see legal services as an enabler in its transformation journey.

We are seeking a Legal Officer to join the Legal Services Team to support the property, planning and environment caseload. The role offers a platform to be actively involved in key agendas related to investment and prosperity for Torbay, its residents, businesses, and wider communities. It involves a fast-paced and varied workload, with opportunities for professional development.

We offer an enviable hybrid working approach, managed around essential meetings and court appearances as required by the role. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a period of change and to help the council achieve its transformation goals.

Responsibilities

• Undertake the role of legal officer to support the property, planning and environment caseload.
• Be actively involved in agendas pertinent to the investment and prosperity of Torbay, its residents, businesses and wider communities.
• Operate in a fast-paced and varied workload while supporting professional development.
• Contribute to a team environment with a supportive management and structure.
• Attend essential meetings and/or court appearances as required by the remit of the role.

Benefits

• A generous salary.
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
• A Career Average Re-Valued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme through Peninsula Pensions.
• A great working environment with flexible hours.
• Family friendly policies.
• A wide range of lifestyle discounts and health and wellbeing benefits.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• A supportive management and team structure.

Qualifications & Skills

Essential Skills

• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships.

Immigration/Language As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Knowledge

• A good level of knowledge of the legal system and landlord and tenant law.
• A basic understanding of local government law in relation to property and disposals.

Experience & Qualifications

• Experience of working within a legal environment.
• 5 x GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Maths at Grade C or above.

Additional Information Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 20 October 2025. Our adverts can close early, even with a published deadline, so please apply as soon as possible. For an informal chat please contact Ian Goldsmith on 01803207157 or [e-mail]. The full job description can be viewed at the provided URL: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/legal-officer-1/