Senior Lawyer – Housing & Disrepair

Job Description

Job Title : Senior Lawyer – Housing & Disrepair
Job Category : Legal – Senior Posts
Location : Lewisham Council
Hours Per Week : 35.00
Start Date : Immediate start
Start Time : 09:00
End Time : 17:00
Salary: £33.80

Main Purpose of the job:

To handle more complex housing litigation work arising and in particular deputise for the Principal Lawyer as appropriate in this major Council work area. This will include disrepair, possession, landlord and tenant and general housing advice.

Knowledge
Advanced and substantial knowledge of the particular area of law and knowledge of its application in a local authority context S

Advanced and substantial knowledge of the particular area of law and knowledge of its application in a local authority context S
Knowledge of progressive strategic and operational management practice S

An advanced understanding of the issues facing local government and an ability to rise to them S
Knowledge of practice and procedure in Courts, tribunals and Inquiries S

Aptitude

Ability to use initiative and experience to analyse problems, make decisions and exercise proper professional judgement without reference to others
Capability to work positively and imaginatively in conjunction with others at the most senior level in the authority and with partners to prepare and promote the Council’s policies and generally to deal with issues progressively

Ability and willingness to carry out special tasks and/or projects contributing to or leading multi-disciplinary teams as necessary
Ability to work under substantial pressure
Robust but creative approach in the interpretation and application of the law

Skills
(Skills can only be used as shortlisting criteria if the skill is to be tested) (To Be Tested – S)

Articulate and confident in oral and written presentation
Ability to present written information succinctly, accurately and clearly.
Ability to give clear and concise advice on the telephone, at meetings and in correspondence
Ability to draft complex and unusual legal documentation and deal with complex matters
Ability to assess priorities and meet conflicting deadlines
Ability to supervise, advise, guide and train less experienced staff

Experience

Substantial practical relevant experience of the appropriate area of work set out in the job description s
Experience of undertaking an extensive and varied legal caseload proficiently at a senior level S
Experience of managing staff and of ensuring performance of work programmes and objectives within strict legislative and other timescales S

General Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with relevant post qualification experience.
Current practising certificate with evidence of effective continuing professional development.

Personal Qualities

Ability to work as part of and lead and motivate a team of staff. S
Ability to contribute proactively to the management of the service through the management team and otherwise.
Dependable, self-reliant and self-motivating
Ability to anticipate problems and to develop appropriate solutions
Ability to liaise effectively with clients and to control clients’ work programme requirements