Job title: Principal Legal Officer

Salary: C1 £28,598 - £31,022

Hours: 37

Contract: Permanent

Location: Civic Hall

Leeds City Council is a progressive authority which works closely with local communities and businesses to create a vibrant and economically thriving city.

We are looking for a qualified property lawyer, who will be required to undertake a substantial personal caseload of legal professional work in the area of commercial property, landlord and tenant work, general property, and some local government law.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Principal Legal Officer, you will bring to the role:

the ability to manage a substantial personal caseload of complex legal professional work (non contentious), primarily commercial property, landlord and tenant, general property and local government law legal work;
good interpersonal skills;
a “can do” attitude with regard to all aspects of the role, including advising and supporting colleagues, clients and members;
the ability to work as part of a team and be flexible, enthusiastic and committed; and
the ability to grasp and assimilate new information quickly.

About the role

You will advise on a wide range of commercial and general property matters, working closely with Council colleagues and third parties to find pragmatic solutions to issues; and provide advice to the Council as required.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays;
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions;
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements;
a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities; and
a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

How to apply

Upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words.

Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Gregg Shevill, Team Leader – Commercial Property. Call 0113 37 89141 or email gregg.shevill@leeds.gov.uk.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job purpose

To assist in the carrying out of legal and administrative work in relation to any of the functions and services of the Council, primarily within the Property and Development Section.

Responsibilities

To undertake a personal workload of matters in relation to Right to Buy and General Property law which will include but not be limited to:

Drafting, issuing and serving Right to Buy and property documents, or Court and Tribunal documents as required.
Preparing property cases for completion, or cases for hearing in the Courts and Tribunals if required, including drafting letters, collating documents, or arranging for the attendance of witnesses at Court and Tribunals.
If required, attendance at Court and Tribunals with Counsel, post-court work to inform Client Departments of all outcomes.
Maintaining and operating computerised systems.
Dealing with enquiries/correspondence from external solicitors, members of the public, Council Departments and other agencies.
Providing administrative support as required.

To participate in Team meetings and to take appropriate action in relation to matters arising at those meetings as required.
To contribute to initiatives within the Team, Section, Unit and Service generally.
To receive such training as is required.
To live the Council’s values in demonstrable ways.
To take personal responsibilities under and abide by the Council’s Health and Safety Policy.
To 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.

To carry out such other duties within Legal Services and the Council, and for other teams and colleagues as, from time to time, may reasonably be required, which are commensurate with the grade, experience, training and level of responsibility within the Council identified by the Council. You may be required to attend meetings, tribunals and courts outside the boundaries of Leeds City Council.
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.

Qualifications

Two A levels (A-C) or Paralegal qualification (E.g. Affiliate member of CILEX -includes completion of

5 CILEX level 3 units) or equivalent qualification.

Four GCSEs (Grade A-C) or equivalent including Maths and English or appropriate alternative qualifications-for example ‘level 3 NVQ in Administration’ and the applicant can demonstrate she/he has experience of working in a legal environment. 12 months experience in the past 5 years.

Essential requirements Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.

Ability to prioritise and organise workload.
Ability to work within time constraints.
Ability to work and communicate effectively as a member of a team.
Ability to relate effectively to people at different levels inside and outside the council.
Possess or have an ability to develop IT skills.
Ability to grasp and assimilate new information quickly.
Ability to work with minimum supervision within a supportive environment.
To draft and prepare clear and concise documents, reports, letters and memoranda.
Liaise with all levels of the Council and other organisations.

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics

Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct
Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Leeds Ambitions of health and wellbeing, inclusive growth, thriving strong communities, and a resilient sustainable city
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills.
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding equality and diversity of Leeds City Council
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters

Desirable requirements Candidates are not required to meet all the following desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.

A basic knowledge of general office procedures and practice.
Knowledge of Quality Management Systems and Best Value.
Experience of working with Quality Management Systems.
Experience of working as an effective member of a team.