Senior Lawyer

Role Purpose

To handle more complex housing litigation work arising and in particular deputise for the Principal Lawyer as appropriate in this major Council work area. This will include disrepair, possession, landlord and tenant and general housing advice.
Responsibilities

Ensure that legal advice and assistance is provided efficiently and expeditiously both personally and by other staff within the Team. Manage and co-ordinate the work of staff and provide advice, guidance and direction as necessary.
Deputise for the Principal Lawyer as required.
Manage a group of staff within the Team on a day to day basis, as required by the Principal Lawyer.
Undertake as required (and in particular in any major work area allocated), a personal caseload of the more complex housing litigation and advisory work.
To work flexibly as part of the Housing & Disrepair Team and be willing to offer support and assistance to other lawyers in the wider Legal team as required.
Act as legal advisor to Members and Officers in connection with procedures or matters arising from the Committees attended and participate in the formulation of policy proposals for presentation to Committees. Deal with Ombudsman cases.
Attend Committees, as directed, to give such legal and general advice as may be necessary. Draft reports to Committee, if required, both on general departmental matters, and on specific items connected with own work. Scrutinize reports drafted by other directorates and consider legal implications of their committee reports, contributing as appropriate.
Introduce new procedures, as required, arising from new legislation, and improvements in efficiency or otherwise, in consultation with other affected departments and prepare any necessary documentation
Undertake employment performance evaluation interviews on a regular basis for staff within the Property team and ensure that adequate training and development is provided to staff under Assistant Principal Lawyer's supervision.
Assist the Principal Lawyer in respect of Service Level Agreement negotiating and liaison with clients. Promote the image of Legal Services and assist in marketing Legal Services.
As required, co-operate and assist with any external review of Council performance, including by the Audit Commission and/or external inspectors and/or auditors.
Requirements

Advanced and substantial knowledge of the particular area of law and knowledge of its application in a local authority context
Advanced and substantial knowledge of the particular area of law and knowledge of its application in a local authority context
Knowledge of progressive strategic and operational management practice
An advanced understanding of the issues facing local government and an ability to rise to them
Knowledge of practice and procedure in Courts, tribunals and Inquiries
Substantial practical relevant experience of the appropriate area of work set out in the job description
Experience of undertaking an extensive and varied legal caseload proficiently at a senior level
Experience of managing staff and of ensuring performance of work programmes and objectives within strict legislative and other timescales
Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with relevant post qualification experience.
Current practising certificate with evidence of effective continuing professional development. 
Working Knowledge Of Housing Legislation
Working Knowledge Of The Repairing Obligations Of The Council And Tenants Responsibilities