Housing Repairs Co-ordinators

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Commercial Litigation Team for an experienced Legal Officer familiar with debt recovery and civil enforcement in the County Court.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will assist in planning, co-ordinating and undertaking commercial litigation, debt recovery and general litigation in relation to the Council’s functions. You will undertake complex legal work and advocacy to the highest professional and client care standards.

In this role, you will manage a personal caseload of debt recovery and litigation work, and provide legal advice and support. You will enjoy working with a variety of internal clients within the Council, giving advice and acting proactively to protect the Council's interests. Experience or an interest in dealing with probate matters will be an advantage.

Working for our organisation

You will work alongside other experienced lawyers in the team as well as an apprentice solicitor. Working under the direction of the Senior Litigation Lawyer, you will join a dynamic team with varied and interesting work load.

Closing date: Monday 9th October at 23:59

Interviews: To be confirmed

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To undertake a personal caseload of debt recovery and litigation work.

To draft, negotiate and conclude legal documentation including pleadings and instructions so as to protect or promote the Council’s interests.

To provide advice on debt recovery and litigation matters.

To provide legal support on litigation matters being dealt with by commercial and debt recovery lawyers.

To maintain an up to date knowledge of developments in the areas of law undertaken by the post holder and to disseminate that information and any implications to members of the Team and to client departments as necessary.

To advise clients on legal issues arising out of the post holder's work as required.

To ensure that the service is responsive to client requirements and that work undertaken is reflective of best practice and the performance targets contained within Service Level Agreements.

To ensure that relevant decisions of the Council and its committees and the Executive are implemented, in the context of any legal constraints, in an efficient and timely manner.

To assist with litigation, advice, and general work of Legal Services as required.

To meet the chargeable hours target for the post and the agreed performance and quality standards as fixed by the Legal Services Management Team.

To work in a corporate and co-operative way both within the Team and within Legal Services and with other Council officers and members.

To undertake any other duties commensurate to the grade of the post.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Qualified to practice as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales (or comparable jurisdiction); or FILEX qualification; or a part qualified Legal Executive (Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice or equivalent ILEX former qualification) working towards full ILEX qualification with 2 years experience of working in the legal profession.

Experience

Essential criteria

• 6 months experience in debt recovery litigation or significant experience over a shorter period (pre or post qualification)

Knowledge and Skills

Essential criteria

• Knowledge of debt recovery and litigation.
• Knowledge of debt recovery practices and procedures.
• Ability to draft, negotiate and agree pleadings and other related documentation.
• Ability to communicate and present legal and other matters clearly and cogently both orally and in writing.
• Ability to review and advise on new legislation, case law and other developments.
• Ability to work as part of a Team and develop and maintain good working relations with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to use information technology for purposes of carrying out case work.
• Ability to achieve key service objectives and to undertake legal work to the highest professional and client care standards.
• Ability to deliver services and work within the framework of the Council’s Dignity for All Policy