Employment Solicitor

Main responsibilities will be those of an Employment Lawyer. This will include giving advice in relation to Employment Law, policy, governance, conducting litigation; and where necessary and appropriate appearing as advocate in Court and at tribunals (including the ET), hearings, and inquiries. Other responsibilities will relate to other work carried out by the Litigation Team, particularly in relation to civil litigation and assisting with clerking education appeals during busy periods.

Responsibilities

1. To attend and advise such committees, sub-committees and other groups and panels of the Council as instructed by the Director of Governance and Legal.

1. Provide general legal advice to Members of the Council and Officers of the Council and to associated bodies, companies and organisations as instructed by the Director of Governance and Legal.

1. Implement or secure the implementation of those decisions of the Council relating to legal matters as may be allocated by the Director of Governance and Legal or relevant Operational Manager

1. Conduct litigation on behalf of the Council, be responsible for the care and conduct of such proceedings and act as the Council's advocate before Courts, inquiries, hearings and tribunals including contested hearing.

1. Negotiate and draft contracts, agreements, instruments of governance, and the like.

1. Prepare matters and papers for any form of legal or quasi legal proceedings and undertake any statutory or administrative task ordinarily required of Legal Services by the Council.

1. Deal with disputes and complaints.

1. Keep abreast of developments in the law and to advise the Council through the Director of Governance and Legal Services from time to time on such matters as will impinge upon its functions.

1. Assist in the provision of a comprehensive legal service to the Council

1. To support the work of senior staff and assist the work of junior staff on legal issues

Requiements

• Qualified Solicitor or barrister with current practising certificate or equivalent qualification with ability to practice
• Experience and knowledge of Employment law or the ability to acquire them quickly
• Experience of litigation
• Practical knowledge of public law
• Effective advocate
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Good drafting skills
• Ability to work as an effective part of a professional team to deliver complex issues
• Competent IT user
• Ability to travel to various locations