£38,626 - £47,754 per annum

At Arun District Council, we are continuously working to improve wellbeing, housing, the environment and the economy within the district. We care about making a difference to those who live, work, and visit Arun, and you could be that difference.

An excellent opportunity has arisen within Arun District Council for an experienced, skilled and dynamic Litigation Lawyer to provide a comprehensive and professional legal service on a permanent basis. Hybrid working can be accomodated if this is your preference.

For more information about joining the team, the role profile is located at the bottom of this advert. It details the main duties of the job as well as the behaviours and competencies (evaluated at interview stage).

We love to invest in our people, providing the opportunity for professional development and fulfilment. Work life balance is encouraged, and we enjoy a variety of flexible working arrangements. Please see Why work for Arun for more information on what Arun offers their employees.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, veteran, neurodiversity status or disability.

For support with your application and CV writing, please visit Applying for a job with us. If you need further support with the application process, please contact Askhr, regarding alternative ways to apply.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Sharon Evans, The Interim Legal Services Manager; sharon.evans@arun.gov.uk.

Overall job purpose:
To provide professional legal services to the council, its members, officers and outside bodies, through research, advice, case handling, representation and drafting documentation across the full range of council services.    

Key areas of focus:

1. To undertake all legal work allocated to the post holder by the Legal Services Manager. The primary focus of this role is litigation, housing, licensing and planning litigation.
2. To protect and promote the council’s interests in the course of all advice, drafting, negotiations and advocacy; and to ensure that all deadlines are met and all procedures followed correctly.
3. To undertake legal research utilising electronic resources effectively.
4. To provide clear practical written and verbal legal advice to Members and Officers.
5. To prepare and draft relevant documentation to give effect to the council’s business requirements.
6. To be the council’s advocate at Court, Tribunals and Inquiries, and as requested by the Legal Services Manager.
7. To attend meetings, committees and working parties to take instruction and provide advice.
8. To deliver presentations, including delivering training to Members and Officers as required.
9. To negotiate on behalf of the council in routine matters with Counsel, Solicitors, expert witnesses, consultants and representatives of other parties.
10. To instruct Counsel to advise or represent the council on matters.
11. To manage a caseload and keep accurate records of transactions using the legal case management system.
12. To make suggestions, recognise the need for change and adapt appropriately by implementing improvements to methods of working, and contributing to the corporate goals of the council.
13. To ensure that service delivery complies with current regulations, accepted professional standards, the council's policies and procedures and appropriate legislation (including legislation on data protection, equalities, health and safety and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults)
14. To undertake such other duties which fall within the range and capabilities of the post holder.  This may include participation in Election Duties or Emergency Planning duties as requested by the Chief Executive or Corporate Management Team.  
15. To carry out other duties commensurate with the grade, skills, experience and qualifications of the post holder as directed and as may be required from time to time.

Closing date: 19 November 2024

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.