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Job TitlePDP LawyerDepartmentLegal & Democratic ServicesReports ToPrincipal LawyerGradePS11Role... Job TitlePDP LawyerDepartmentLegal & Democratic ServicesReports ToPrincipal LawyerGradePS11Role PurposeProvide expert legal advice, representation, and advocacy to the County Council, ensuring services are delivered lawfully, efficiently, and in line with statutory requirements. Manage a complex legal caseload, support senior legal leadership, and contribute to the continuous improvement of Legal Services.Key ResponsibilitiesDeliver timely, accurate legal advice and representation to the Council, Members, Officers, and Committees.Manage a varied and complex caseload with minimal supervision.Conduct advocacy in courts, tribunals, inquiries, and hearings where required.Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents, agreements, policies, and reports.Support the Monitoring Officer by identifying and advising on legal or procedural issues.Lead or contribute to major legal projects, service reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.Assist the Principal Lawyer in managing workloads and deputise when required.Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and support staff where appropriate.Deliver legal training and guidance to Council officers and partner organisations.Maintain accurate electronic case records and work within Lexcel quality standards.Monitor legal expenditure and ensure effective use of external legal services.Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and develop expertise across multiple areas of law.Attend meetings, hearings, and proceedings, including outside normal working hours where necessary.Key Skills & CompetenciesStrong knowledge of public sector and local government law.Excellent legal drafting, advocacy, negotiation, and advisory skills.Ability to manage complex legal matters independently.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.Project management and service improvement experience.Leadership, coaching, and mentoring capabilities.Proficiency in electronic case management systems and Microsoft Office.Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.Essential Qualifications & ExperienceQualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practising certificate.Degree or equivalent professional qualification.Significant post-qualification legal experience managing complex cases.Experience of, or aptitude for, legal advocacy.Experience advising senior stakeholders within a public sector or similar complex organisation.Experience supervising or supporting legal teams is desirable.Key AttributesHigh professional integrity and sound judgement.Customer-focused with strong relationship-building skills.Collaborative and adaptable approach.Commitment to continuous professional development.Ability to influence, negotiate, and lead by example.Commitment to equality, diversity, health & safety, and the Council's values.

Job TitleSolicitor / Legal Manager (PS11)Role SummaryProvide specialist legal advice and strategic l... Job TitleSolicitor / Legal Manager (PS11)Role SummaryProvide specialist legal advice and strategic leadership across complex legal matters while managing teams, projects, and service delivery. Lead service improvements, ensure legal compliance, influence decision-making, and deliver high-quality, customer-focused legal services aligned with organisational objectives.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide expert legal advice on complex and high-risk matters.Analyse data, identify trends, and present recommendations to support strategic decisions.Lead major projects, service reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.Review and enhance business processes, systems, and operational efficiency.Ensure high standards of customer service, governance, and legal compliance.Build effective relationships with internal departments, external partners, and stakeholders.Manage delegated budgets, resources, and financial performance where required.Lead, coach, develop, and performance-manage staff to maximise team effectiveness.Represent the organisation in legal proceedings and undertake advocacy where appropriate.Ensure services meet agreed performance, quality, and financial targets.Promote equality, diversity, health & safety, and organisational values.Essential Skills & CompetenciesStrong legal knowledge with the ability to resolve complex issues and provide strategic advice.Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.Proven project and programme management capability.Strong leadership, coaching, and people management skills.Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.Ability to influence senior stakeholders and work collaboratively across services.Strong organisational, financial, and resource management skills.Customer-focused with a commitment to continuous service improvement.Proficient in business systems and technology to improve service delivery.Essential Qualifications & ExperienceDegree or equivalent professional qualification.Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX, eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practising certificate.Significant management experience in a legal or related specialist environment.Demonstrable experience leading teams, managing complex projects, and driving service improvements.Experience of advocacy, or the aptitude to undertake advocacy.Extensive knowledge of business planning, governance, financial management, and organisational management.Key AttributesStrategic thinker with sound professional judgement.Strong leadership and influencing skills.Collaborative and relationship-focused.Innovative and solution-oriented.Committed to professional excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement.