Newly Qualified Solicitor

Epping Forest District Council; Ayot Green; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension scheme

28 days annual leave + bank holidays

Perkbox discounts & wellbeing perks

Hybrid working

Ongoing professional development

Flexible pay via Stream

Reimbursement of professional member

Job summary

Epping Forest District Council is seeking a Newly Qualified Solicitor to develop a broad legal career within Local Government. You will work in our supportive Legal Services team, handling governance, contracts, property, planning, litigation, housing and information governance, under supervision.

You will manage your own caseload appropriate to your level, with guidance from experienced solicitors, and contribute to policy development while keeping up to date with legislative changes affecting

Qualifications

• Be a newly qualified Solicitor or due to qualify shortly with England & Wales qualification.
• Strong legal research, analytical and drafting skills are essential.
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and effectively.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Customer-focused, professional and proactive with a commitment to learning and development.
• Interest in local government law and public service.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support across a broad range of local government matters.
• Manage a varied caseload with supervision and support.
• Draft and review contracts, agreements, reports and other documentation.
• Undertake legal research and offer practical, solution-focused advice.
• Attend meetings with officers, Members and external stakeholders.
• Assist with litigation and advocacy, including court/tribunal documentation.
• Support corporate projects by identifying and managing legal risk.
• Contribute to policy development and guidance, stay updated on legislative changes.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical skills

Drafting skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Prioritisation

Customer-focused

Professional development

Public service interest

Education

Qualified solicitor (England & Wales)

Job description

Are you a newly qualified solicitor looking to develop a broad and rewarding legal career in local government? Epping Forest District Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Newly Qualified Solicitor to join our supportive and highly regarded Legal Services team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience across a wide range of local government legal work while developing your skills under the guidance of experienced legal professionals. As a Generalist Solicitor, you will provide legal advice and support to Council officers, Members and partner organisations across a diverse range of matters including governance, contracts and procurement, property, planning, litigation, housing, information governance, employment and regulatory work. You will manage your own caseload appropriate to your level of experience while working collaboratively with colleagues on more complex matters. This role offers excellent opportunities for professional development and progression within a dynamic local authority legal team.

• Provide legal advice and support across a broad range of local government legal matters.
• Manage a varied caseload, with appropriate supervision and support.
• Draft and review contracts, agreements, reports, legal correspondence and other documentation.
• Undertake legal research and provide practical, solution-focused advice.
• Attend meetings with officers, Members and external stakeholders where required.
• Assist with litigation and advocacy matters, including preparation of court and tribunal documentation.
• Support corporate projects and service initiatives by identifying and managing legal risk.
• Contribute to the development of policies, procedures and guidance.
• Keep up to date with legislative developments and emerging legal issues affecting local government.

This role is offered on a hybrid basis, with an expectation of attendance in the office, at meetings, hearings or other Council locations as required.

Why Join Us?

Our Legal Services team plays a key role in supporting the Council's priorities and delivering high quality legal services across the organisation. We pride ourselves on being collaborative, approachable and solution-focused, providing practical legal advice that helps services achieve their objectives while managing risk effectively. This is an ideal opportunity for a newly qualified solicitor seeking high-quality work, excellent supervision, and exposure to a broad range of local government legal issues that few private practice roles can offer.

Epping Forest District Council takes its name from the forest which runs from its southern boundary northwards and shares boundaries with Greater London and Hertfordshire. The district serves approximately 131,000 residents across a diverse mix of urban and rural communities.

Be a newly qualified Solicitor of England and Wales, or be due to qualify shortly. Have completed a training contract or qualifying work experience demonstrating exposure to a range of legal disciplines. Possess strong legal research, analytical and drafting skills. Be able to communicate complex legal issues clearly and effectively. Demonstrate excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities. Have a professional, proactive and customer-focused approach. Be committed to continuous learning and professional development. Have an interest in local government law and public service.

Desirable

• Experience gained within local government, the public sector or a related practice area would be an advantage but not a requirement.
• Full training and support will be available to the successful candidate.
• Knowledge of one or more areas of local government law, including governance, contracts, property, planning, housing, litigation or information governance.
• Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders and clients.

Contractual hours: 36

Package:

• LGPS pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Perkbox discounts & wellbeing perks
• Hybrid working
• Ongoing professional development
• Flexible pay via Stream
• Reimbursement of professional membership