Contracts Lawyer LBS-011(Project)

1. Responsible for the delivery of highest quality outcomes and effective legal advice to clients - including the Cabinet, Committees, other Council bodies and elected Members.
2. To ensure the legal services provided are cost effective and meet the principles of good governance in decision making.
3. Support the development and delivery of relevant strategies, policies and departmental projects that secure the achievement of key council and service objectives., 4. To deliver a high quality, sustainable legal service that complies with the statutory framework and meets the Council's statutory and contractual obligations.

5. Advising and attending Committees and sub-committees, members and Chief Officers and frequently advising the Departments in relation to the Law in matters specifically relating to the work of the section.

6. Devising and implementing new methods, forms and procedures as required by new legislation, revised council policy or generally including the review of changes imposed in relation to specific services.

7. Determining the effect of new legislation and advising specifically on the impact of new legislation on the delivery of the council's services or functions.

8. Preparing reports and comments for reports to council, cabinet committees and sub-committees.
9. Attendance at departmental working groups, steering panels and project group meetings to provide advice.

10. To support the working practices and procedures for the services provided.

11. To work with Senior Lawyers and Lawyers to ensure a consistent and holistic approach to the delivery of services.

12. To draft documents and prepare pleadings.

13. Prepare and processing all legal documents, including agreements, deeds, notices, orders, consents, byelaws relevant to the work of the council.

14. Presentation of cases before courts and tribunals where the post holder has a right of audience on all matters in relation to the work of the council.

15. Responding to legal questions received from members of the council, members of Parliament, the ombudsman and external organisations within a specific area of activity and under the supervision of the Senior Lawyer.

16. To undertake the review of files under the guidance of the senior Lawyer, organise meetings and take notes of meetings.

17. To support and advise at meetings, working parties and officer groups as required.

18. To maintain good governance in managing own caseload of complex work under minimal supervision.

19. Co-ordinate research upon legal questions arising from the work of team including, where necessary, briefing Lawyers/or Counsel.

20. Assist on negotiating and concluding contractual arrangements with Solicitors, Barristers, Valuers and Land Agents, and external agencies.

21. To ensure continuous improvements within the area of expertise, and that the service is responsive to the changing environment.

22. To maintain the improvement in equal opportunities in employment and service delivery.

23. To keep up to date records of chargeable hours targets for the area of service.

24. To maintain files in accordance with Lexcel requirements and the Office Procedure Manual.

25. To undertake other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the post.

JOB CONTEXT

26. The vision for Legal Services is:
"To be the council's first choice provider of legal services, offering a sustainable, high-quality, responsive & efficient value for money service to the council and to the communities of Southwark.", 5. An understanding of good governance arrangements, to maintain democratic legitimacy of the Council's work to support effective decision making., I and T
14. Adapts to changing demands to ensure that objectives are met, overcoming problems and making well considered decisions.

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15. Acts as a role model to others in the team, sharing knowledge and experience when necessary, whilst respecting and valuing the contribution other team members' experiences can bring.

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16. Demonstrates well developed written and verbal communication skills and the confidence produce non standard letters/reports and to present reports and verbal accounts credibly to a variety of different audiences.

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17. Develops contacts and relationships with customer/client groups, regularly reviewing service delivery and taking responsibility to ensure quality service provision and the ability to deal with clients professionally and diplomatically.

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Special Conditions of Recruitment:

18. Comply with and promote the Council's Equal opportunities policy.

19. As part of the selection process candidates will be required to undertake assessment tests designed to demonstrate their competencies in key areas detailed above.

The person specification is a picture of skills, knowledge and experience required to carry out the job.

Knowledge, including educational qualifications:
Essential (E)

How assessed (S/ I/ T)
1. An admitted Solicitor of England and Wales, with a current practising certificate or eligible to apply for a practising certificate, with 3 years post admission experience or a Barrister called to the bar of England and Wales with 3 years post call experience or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with a current practising certificate or eligible to apply for a practising certificate or a qualified lawyer possessing an equivalent qualification gained in another jurisdiction, with 3 years' post qualification experience., 4. Knowledge of the law in relation to contracts and public procurement., 6. At least 2 years experience of working in the field of
contracts and public procurement.

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7. Experience of managing own caseload.

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8. Success in building, and sustaining effective relationships with stakeholders.

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9. Experience of case managements system and
of working within a performance management framework and achieving agreed targets and outcomes., 11. Ability to use initiative to achieve set deadlines and manage conflicting priorities., 12. Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and to use discretion in dealing with sensitive information., Must Have: 2 years public procurement and contract experience., Must be an admitted Solicitor of England and Wales with at least 3 years post admission experience or a Barrister called to the bar of England and Wales with at least 3 years post call experience or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives .
The candidate will be working mainly for a busy housing directorate covering procurements for repairs, major works and a variety of other contracts. A mixed load of low and high value contracts. Must have a good working knowledge of public procurement regulations, construction law matters /JCT building contracts, contracts for good and services, frameworks and local authority governance
Will be required to attend departmental contracts review boards and provide advice.
Must have a least two years working experience of public procurement and contracts.
Working arrangement - hybrid with a least one day in the office at Tooley Street, London Bridge.