Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Lawyer for our client a government organisation in South, London.
The Adult Social Care team and Education team are a busy sub group within the Social Care team.
The successful post holder will work within both Adult& Edu team with a focus on Education work which includes SENDIST appeals and advice to Schools and the Local Education Authorities for all 5 Boroughs served.
This role is a temporary contract initially for 3 months with the possibility to extend. They will be working on a hybrid basis with office attendance once a week required.
Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:
- Provide timely and effective specialist legal advice to elected members, including committees and to Directors senior managers and officers across both authorities as part of a team of lawyers, and to any other clients of the Shared Legal Service.
- Be responsible for providing innovative solutions to deal with complex issues arising in connection with the work within the team and the legal issues presented by clients.
- Manage a large caseload of wide-ranging work within two of the above specialisms , including but not limited to; drafting legal letters, legal agreements, deeds, notices, orders, consents byelaws as well as negotiating agreements, settlements and such matters, managing competing demands and meeting deadlines and the requirements of the Shared Legal Service.
- Where relevant, to prepare and process all matters relevant to any proceedings before a court, arbitration, mediation or public inquiry and to attend such as the client’s advocate or, if appropriate, select and instruct appropriate external legal representation.
- Work proactively to maintain and improve the relationship with the clients of the Shared Legal Service.
- Supervise, and be responsible for the work of, junior staff as required and to provide management and leadership to the staff working on their cases.
- Undertake duties on behalf of the Monitoring Officer for all five authorities.
- Keep clients informed of new legislation and case law relevant to their operations, including training seminars where appropriate and to ensure that they maintain a sound application of legal requirements.
- Advise upon, draft and approve committee reports in respect of cases and legal issues.
- Attend as the sole representative in order to advise and provide legal services to elected members at Cabinets, Committees and Panels as are required.
- Negotiating, on behalf of any of the five authorities, with solicitors and other professionals and liaising with outside bodies including the court service on matters relating to work of any client.
Personal Requirements:
- Qualified solicitor or barrister or chartered legal executive or equivalent legal experience with a background in local government.
- Experience UK qualified Education Lawyer.
- SRA Registered.
Working Hours: 37hrs / 9:00am – 17:00pm / Monday – Friday
Pay: £40.00 – £50.00 per hr
Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.
