Legal Officer (Claims Handling) - 37 Hours

Torbay Council; Torquay; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Torbay Council, within the Corporate Services directorate in Torbay, is seeking a Legal Officer to join the Licensing and Litigation team. You will manage a varied caseload of low value public liability, employers' liability and property damage claims, while supporting solicitors on more complex cases.

The role involves investigation, liability assessment, evidence gathering, liaising with insurers and solicitors, and ensuring timely, fair resolutions to protect the council's interests.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent including English and Maths at grade C/4 or above.
• Ability to give clear and accurate legal advice and to influence, support and advise.
• Standard criminal records check

Responsibilities

• Handle a varied caseload of low value compensation claims against the council, including public liability, employers' liability and property damage.
• Investigate claims and assess liability.
• Gather evidence to support claim decisions.
• Liaise with insurers and solicitors.
• Support the effective, fair and timely resolution of claims to protect the council's interests.
• Support solicitors and other legal professionals in managing and progressing complex and high value claims

Skills

Legal reasoning

Analytical thinking

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Decision making

Education

GCSEs including English and Maths (grade C/4+)

Job description

A Legal Officer post in the Licensing and Litigation team within Torbay Council's Corporate Services, handling claims made against the council. The role centres on a caseload of low value public liability, employers' liability and property damage claims, covering investigation, liability assessment, evidence gathering and working with insurers and solicitors to settle claims. Alongside this, the post supports solicitors on complex and high value claims, and it is a permanent 37-hour role. Visa sponsorship is not available, and a standard criminal records check is required.

What the job involves

• Handle a varied caseload of low value compensation claims against the council, including public liability, employers' liability and property damage
• Investigate claims and assess liability
• Gather evidence to support claim decisions
• Liaise with insurers and solicitors
• Support the effective, fair and timely resolution of claims to protect the council's interests
• Support solicitors and other legal professionals in managing and progressing complex and high value claims

What’s required

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent including English and Maths at grade C / 4 or above

Skills & knowledge

• Ability to give clear and accurate legal advice and to influence, support and advise
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities
• Critical thinking, sound decision-making and collaborative working
• Developing knowledge of the law and procedures in the specialist discipline

Checks & eligibility

• Standard criminal records check

Other

• Ability to converse at ease with members of the public and give advice in accurate spoken English
• Understanding of local authority functions and services

Nice to have

• Experience of handling insurance, compensation or legal claims
• Strong investigative and negotiation skills
• Knowledge of civil litigation processes and pre-action protocols
• Experience in local government, insurance or a legal environment