Solicitor- Adult Services

Posted 17 April 2019
Salary £28 - £29 per hour
LocationEast Sussex
Job type Temporary
Discipline Social Care
ReferenceLORNA_1555496978
Contact NameLorna Burner

Job description

Key Tasks

1. To act upon instructions to carry out the objectives of client departments, utilising the post-holders skills, expertise and knowledge.
2. To advise client departments of legal and other consequences of proposed courses of action, so as to enable them to give or modify instructions effectively.
3. To notify the Senior Solicitor of any instructions or events that would result in a breach of any legislation, common law, standing order or rule of propriety or would constitute a course of action amounting to maladministration.
4. To review the general activities of the Council in the areas of law and practice that may be assigned to the post and to consider and propose alternative or different courses of action to ensure effective implementation of client proposals or achievement of objectives or resolve client problems and/or to ensure best practice within the Legal Services Team, particularly in the light of changes of developments in the law.
5. To undertake casework across a range of legal services provided by the Department as required; particular areas of law may be assigned to the post, but it is essential that post holder should be able and willing to carry our a variety of legal work in support of an effective legal services team. The post-holder may be required to give advice to Members/ Committees.
6. To ensure all work is carried out to the standards required by arrangement with the client and by any policy or practice management standards adopted.
7. To be aware of the cost to the client of individual activities. To make reasonable estimates of likely costs to clients for the effective implementation of instructions and to advise the Senior Solicitor in the event that such estimates are agreed where fixed costs are likely to be exceeded.
8. To participate in the appraisal process currently in place and to participate in training and development activities identified as a result of that process.
9. To ensure that the Council's equalities and health and safety policies are observed.
10. To undertake available training opportunities and show a commitment to continuous development, to maximise your potential and ensure the efficient and effective delivery of County Council services.
11. Undertake any other tasks commensurate with the grading of the post.
12. Lead meetings/team discussions to solve problems and implement solutions
13. Advise, guide and train less experienced staff effectively
14. Undertake a complex caseload with minimum supervision
15. Creative and robust interpretation and application of the law, procedure and other requirements applicable to local authorities and public bodies
16. Ability to make professional evaluation of all legal aspects and to deal with complicated and multifaceted issues with minimal supervision and guidance
17. Ensure that all legal arrangements are in place for the effective management of risk across the Council

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time when it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

Key Skills & Abilities
* The ability to provide prompt and accurate legal advice
* Clarity in both written and oral communications
* The ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of personnel/organisations
* Negotiating and drafting skills
* The ability to analyse factual situations, research the relevant law and apply it
* The ability to work effectively with elected members
* Ability to draft complex and unusual documentation
* Ability to explain legal documentation to clients, including non specialists
* Ability to present complex arguments before courts and tribunals
* Ability to provide robust solutions to a variety of complex legal issues
* Political sensitivity and diplomacy
* Good understanding of Local Government practice and procedure
Education & Qualifications
* Practising Solicitor or Barrister
Knowledge
* Knowledge of the law and practice relating to Adult Social Care Law
* Ability to demonstrate significant specialism or depth of knowledge in Adult Social Care Law
* Knowledge of democratic and political aspects of local government
Experience
* Ability to demonstrate experience of conducting own caseload within defined areas of legal practice.
* Advocacy experience
* Experience of mentoring or guiding legal staff
* Substantial experience of legal work in Adult Social Care Law
* Experience of effective risk management
* Recent local government experience.
Personal Attributes
* The ability to work within a team and when necessary independently.
* The aptitude to embrace new areas of law and concepts so as to develop specialist skills further.
* Committed to equal opportunities.
* The ability to adapt to changing work practices and the challenges presented by shared services and change in local government
Other
* Ability to meet the travelling requirements of the role

If you are interested in this role please send your updated CV.