Solicitor

Connect2Dorset; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A managed service agency is seeking a Solicitor in Dorchester for a temporary contract of 3 months. The role involves providing legal advice, conducting litigation, and representing clients. Ideal candidates will be qualified lawyers with strong communication and negotiation skills, capable of working under pressure. This position offers a competitive hourly rate of £50-£55 dependent on experience.

Qualifications

• Post-qualification experience in relevant practice areas.
• Ability to manage workload priorities and work under pressure.
• Willingness to work as part of a team and support colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice, drafting, negotiation, and representation.
• Prepare and conduct litigation in courts and tribunals.
• Advise on case law, legislation, and procedural changes.

Skills

Legal advice

Drafting legal documentation

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Judgement skills

Teamwork

Education

Degree-level education

Qualified Lawyer, Barrister, or Legal Executive

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Solicitor

Location: Dorchester

Contract Type: Temporary (3 months)

Salary: £50-£55 per hour (D0E)

Hours: 37 per week

About Us

Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities into the Council. Our service is built on our values of ethical, trustworthy, and caring, and our profits are returned to our Local Authority shareholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice, drafting, negotiation, and representation for Dorset Council and external clients.
• Prepare and conduct litigation, including advocacy in courts, tribunals, and panels.
• Represent the Head of Legal Services at committees, working groups, and departmental meetings.
• Instruct Counsel and liaise with external providers where appropriate.
• Advise on case law, legislation, and procedural changes.
• Support colleagues within the Legal Services team and contribute to training seminars.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Qualified Lawyer, Barrister, or Legal Executive.
• Degree-level education.
• Post-qualification experience in relevant practice areas.
• Ability to draft legal documentation, research, problem-solve, and undertake advocacy.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and judgement skills.
• Ability to manage workload priorities, work under pressure, and deliver to deadlines.
• Willingness to work as part of a team and support colleagues.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.
• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the role.

Desirable

• Experience working within a local authority legal department.
• Knowledge and experience of Local Government Law.
• Understanding of democratic decision-making processes in a local government environment.

About Connect2Dorset

Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.