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We are seeking an experienced Assistant Principal Lawyer to join a friendly, committed and highly regarded in-house legal team to help deliver transformational and exciting projects, as well as make a real contribution to the quality of life and sustainability.  We are seeking individuals who are accustomed to working at a fast pace in a busy team environment. Prior local government experience is desirable, not essential. Still, you will need to have a keen interest in and enthusiasm for local government, as well as the desire to work as part of the larger project team. The successful candidate must possess excellent communication and drafting skills, as well as the ability to provide clear and concise legal advice to a diverse range of audiences.

Responsibility

To provide expert legal advice, assistance and support in the areas of specialism of the post at a complex/high-profile level. Line management of the in-house team of professional legal staff providing high-quality legal services. Budgetary control, Relationship manager with internal and external clients, partnerships, alliances and outside bodies. Act as Deputy Monitoring Officer in the absence of the Head of Legal Services.

Qualification – Essential

GCSE Grade (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.

A qualified Solicitor/Barrister legal executive with a high level of extensive experience working at a senior level in and/or in project groups.

Advanced – Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), social media.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience Requirements - Criteria to be Evaluated at the Shortlisting Stage.

Successful candidates will have:

Knowledge of Safeguarding, e.g. Childcare protection, Vulnerable Adults, including mental health and adult protection, COP, DOLS, homelessness/ housing appeals and judicial reviews in childcare and other relevant work.

Major Works, e.g. procurement including OJEU, and EU procurement, competitive dialogues, contract disputes and other relevant work. 

Regeneration planning law, & procedures, s106 agreements, LDF highways advice, property land transactions, sales & acquisitions and other relevant work. 

Corporate, e.g. general litigation matters including prosecutions, housing, disrepair, anti-social behaviour, employment, judicial reviews, dispute resolution, complex debt recovery and other relevant work.

Proven experience of working at a senior level with senior officers and providing legal advice in the context of political, controversial and sensitive matters.

Demonstrate ability to manage, supervise and motivate professional and non-professional staff.

Proven experience of original drafting skills, advocacy and attendance at committees/groups providing the highest level of legal advice and assistance.

Proven experience of managing and prioritising competing demands.

Knowledge of local government and administrative law, and Local Authority Trading companies.

The ability to manage a budget includes financial monitoring as outlined in a Service Level Agreement.

Essential Compliance Requirements

Proof of Qualifications.

A pre-engagement screening is mandatory for this role. Please be prepared for this additional step in the application process.

Diamond Blaque Group, a leading public sector provider, is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. Our organisation is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace