Principal Legal Officer - Disrepair

Job Purpose: The section covers the following areas of work: Housing Condition/Disrepair Claims & EPA. The postholder will provide a high quality, value for money legal service, which actively supports the delivery of the council's strategic objectives as set out in the Best City Ambitions.,

• Undertake a substantial personal caseload of complex legal professional work, primarily Housing Condition/Dsirepair legal work. The post holder will be expected to provide support in at least one other area of law covered by the section, and any other local government legal matters as required.
• Support the generation of external income in the section and across the service and take an active role in coaching and mentoring staff within the section and service.
• Undertake a substantial complex personal caseload of Housing Condition/Disrepair legal work and other areas covered by the section as required.
• Represent council colleagues and other clients in proceedings in tribunals, the County Court and (subject to rights of audience) Higher Courts, including in relation to contested proceedings.
• Conduct investigatory and preparatory work as necessary to ensure effective presentation of cases to Court and advise as to the progression of cases and the value of particular strategies.
• Draft and issue court proceedings and other documentation such as instructions to counsel as necessary.
• To draft legal documentation, agreements and advice.
• Foster and deliver a "can do" attitude with regard to all aspects of the role, including advising and supporting colleagues, clients and members; contributing to change; and increasing external income generation.
• Establish, develop and maintain effective relationships with a range of internal colleagues, external stakeholders and parties including Members, directors and senior officers to improve and enhance service delivery.
• Maintain an awareness of all legislative and case law developments which might impact on the work of colleagues and clients and advise them as appropriate
• Provide legal advice and support to committees and advice to clients both orally and in writing, in relation to complex matters.
• Work flexibly as part of a team to cover court and tribunal commitments and other work as required
• Meet all professional requirements, for example and as appropriate the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) competency framework in relation to personal development and SRA Standards and Regulations
• Support other staff within the section and service as required including providing training to colleagues and clients
• Perform all functions and duties effectively and in accordance with the following:
• The council's policies and codes of practice
• The council's constitution
• Legal Services' standards, objectives, targets and timescales
• Legal Services' Lexcel procedures
• Attend meetings, tribunals, inquiries/appeals and courts outside the boundaries of Leeds City Council and outside your normal working hours as required
• Carry out such other duties within Legal Services and the Council, and for other clients as required commensurate with the grade as required
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
• Participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values, standards and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
  
  The section solely covers the defending of Housing Condition/Disrepair claims against the Council as its area of work but it would be desirable if a candidate also had a broader experience of Housing Law.
The successful candidate will be a solicitor or barrister entitled to hold a practising certificate or FCILEx who will work in a lively and busy team. It is essential that the successful candidate has extensive experience of Housing Disrepair litigated matters, good interpersonal skills, is able to prioritise their own workload, act as an advocate in complex contested hearings and work to tight court deadlines. They must be able to work as part of a team and be flexible, enthusiastic and committed., Essentials include good teamworking and interpersonal skills, ability to prioritise own workload, to undertake some advocacy, working to tight deadlines, and adhering to our values;
• Being open, honest and trusted
• Treating people fairly
• Spending money wisely
• Working as a team for Leeds
• Working with people, engaging all communities, Solicitor or Barrister entitled to hold a practising certificate or FCILEX with Legal Executive Advocate Certificate - Civil., Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.
• Able to plan and organise own workload with minimum supervision, to strict deadlines
• Able to act as an advocate on behalf of the council including dealing with complex contested hearings
• Able to communicate effectively and establish productive relationships with people and organisations at different levels inside and outside the council
• Able to recognise and build on opportunities to develop external legal work for the service and grasp and assimilate new information quickly
• Able to resolve a wide range of complex legal problems in a local government context
• Able to draft and prepare clear and concise documents, procedures, guidance notes, reports, statements, letters and memoranda
• Able to anticipate changes needed to meet organisational objectives and identify strategies to overcome difficulties.
• Able to carry out effective legal research
Knowledge Required
• Of the law and practice relating to Housing Conditions/Disrepair
• Of law and practice relating to local government
• Awareness of the sensitive and confidential nature of the work
Experience Required
• Of managing and dealing with a substantial complex personal caseload.
• Of providing advice to clients on complex matters
• Of working as an effective member of a team
• Of advocacy (where relevant) including experience in dealing with complex cases
Behavioural & other Characteristics required
• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Ability to understand and observe Leeds City Council Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To carry out all duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under Health & Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development
• Understand and embrace our values, behaviours and codes of conduct.
• An understanding and awareness of working in a political environment.
  
  access to West Yorkshire Pension Scheme
• generous annual leave entitlement
• training and development;
• flexible working, including from home
Leeds is an award winning and progressive authority, which works closely with local communities and businesses. At its core is the overall vision to be the Best City, to tackle poverty and inequality and improve quality of life for everyone who calls Leeds home. Having a workforce that reflects the people of Leeds is important. We value diversity and fair treatment of employees and applicants. Leeds City Council is a Stonewall Top 100 and Mindful employer, and proudly retains the Disability Confident Standard. Our Legal Services department reflects the diversity of Leeds, and is a welcoming and inclusive team, with a positive, healthy workplace culture where everyone can be themselves. Our Lexcel accreditation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing a quality legal service.