Legal Practitioner (NJE GR 5)

Job Purpose To provide legal advice, guidance & representation to customers of Legal Services (internal or external) with emphasis on Planning, Highways, Rights of Way, supporting major projects and subject to service demand and direction, any of the legal disciplines covered by the section. Key Responsibilities

1. To undertake case work and support other officers as necessary within the section by reference to the Job Purpose.
2. To act on behalf of the customers in legal proceedings and to attend and advise at meetings both internal and external, as required.
3. Subject to appropriate supervision and guidance to comply with standards of conduct, training requirements, internal protocols/standards, policies and procedures of the Authority, or such other body that may apply.
4. To escalate issues that may impact upon service delivery as appropriate.
5. To identify changes in law and practice relevant to the post and contribute effectively towards the development of policies, practice and business efficiencies, including delivering training to colleagues and customers.
6. To develop and maintain knowledge of the legal disciplines that are allocated to the post holder by managers. Key Accountabilities
7. To work effectively to high standards in accordance with all applicable statutory and regulatory standards, Authority policies and procedures and as directed.
8. To meet service, business plan and personal performance targets.
9. To have an awareness of budgetary implications of service delivery and to deliver case work within agreed resources.
10. To respond to customer needs within resources with a can-do attitude.
11. To participate proactively as a team member in the section and to build positive relationships with other staff and colleagues.
12. To contribute to the improvement of customer satisfaction levels for the service.
13. The post holder will perform any duty or task that is appropriate for the role described Person Specification Education and Knowledge
14. Law degree or other graduate qualification or equivalent is desirable.
15. Legal knowledge in at least one area or more of the relevant specialist fields listed in the Job Purpose is desirable.
16. An awareness of the statutory and governance frameworks relating to Local Authorities. Personal skills and general competencies
17. Puts into practice the Council’s commitment to excellent customer care.
18. Works efficiently and effectively and actively looks for ways of improving services and outcomes for customers.
19. Works well with colleagues but also able to work on their own initiative.
20. Shares the Council’s commitment to providing a safe environment for customers and staff and also treating all with respect and consideration Experience
21. Recent legal advisory experience.
22. Manages and prioritises own workload using good time management techniques.
23. Experience of supporting a team according to available resources and skill levels and working co-operatively with others. Role Dimensions  1. Core areas of responsibility as detailed in the Job Purpose
24. Financial responsibility –none designated to this post
25. No direct reports