Legal Officer

Salary       – £32,115-£36,124

Hours       – 37 hours – office base, on-site, hybrid working

The role

We are seeking a Legal Officer to join our Legal team on a full-time, permanent basis. Ideal candidates will be Solicitors, Chartered Legal Executives, or experienced local authority paralegals/lawyers with a strong background in council legal matters. The role demands a dedicated, detail-oriented professional with excellent teamwork and communication skills. A commitment to equality, diversity, and exceptional customer service is essential.

Qualifications

Solicitor (with current Practising Certificate), Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives or paralegal/lawyers with equivalent knowledge and experience

Duties and responsibilities

  • Conduct the Council’s legal affairs, including representation at Courts, Tribunals, Planning Inquiries and, where necessary, to instruct Counsel.
  • Attend and advise at council committee meetings and other miscellaneous democratic and governance related meetings and groups.
  • Represent Legal Services in internal and external meetings, offering clear, proactive guidance and managing associated legal and administrative tasks.
  • Draft and review contracts, agreements, legal notices, and advise on procurement matters
  • Carry out debt recovery on behalf of the Council including the enforcement of judgements.
  • Advise on Data Protection and Freedom of Information issues
  • Manage legal aspects of regulatory enforcement and anti-social behaviour cases
  • Deal with planning and licencing matters
  • Oversee standard property transactions, including leases, licences, acquisitions, and disposals, engaging external legal support as required.
  • Perform other reasonable legal duties as assigned.

Person Specification

  • Experience in local government and familiarity with relevant legislation is desirable.
  • Experience of interpreting legislation, policy and guidance to contribute to the formulation of local policies and procedures that comply with national requirements
  • Strong knowledge of civil and criminal litigation within regulatory law
  • Skilled in drafting legal documents such as contracts, agreements, notices, and court materials (e.g., witness statements).
  • Confident advocate capable of representing the Council effectively
  • Excellent IT skills with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Ability to use case management systems such as IKEN.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to deliver clear legal advice and reports to varied audiences.
  • Capable of undertaking a range of district authority casework in a multi-disciplinary environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills; able to engage confidently with senior staff, elected officials, colleagues, and external stakeholders
  • Ability to analyse, problem solve and develop creative and innovative solutions
  • Commitment to attend committee meetings in evenings and outside general working hours
  • Awareness of political dimension
  • Comfortable working under pressure and managing competing priorities
  • Self-motivated and effective in both independent and team settings
  • Flexible regarding duties and working hours
  • Committed to high standards of customer service
  • Demonstrates alignment with the Council’s core values and behaviours
  • Full current driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes

Benefits

  • Flexible working
  • Family friendly policies
  • On-site free parking
  • Up to 31 days' annual leave
  • Option to purchase additional leave
  • Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme
  • Savings and loan scheme
  • Discounted gym membership
  • Generous pension scheme
  • Additional voluntary contribution to AVC
  • Staff reward scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Employee forums (Your Voice, Health & Wellbeing)

General Statement

The information contained in this job description is provided to assist employees joining the council to understand and appreciate the work content of their post and the role they will play in the organisation. However, the following point should be noted:

  • Whilst every endeavour has been made to outline all the duties and responsibilities of the post, a document such as this does not permit every item to be specified in detail. Broad headings, therefore, may have been used, in which case all the usual associated routines are naturally included in the job description.

How to apply

Download and complete the application form at https://www.rossendale.gov.uk

Application forms should be returned to: recruitment@rossendalebc.gov.uk OR

Rossendale Borough Council, People & Policy, The Business Centre, Futures Park, Bacup, Lancashire, OL13 0BB

Alternatively, email your name and address, quoting reference number KL0008 to recruitment@rossendalebc.gov.uk or telephone People and Policy on 01706 252513.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people.  To qualify, you will need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

  • Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
  • If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.

Closing Date         – Monday 2nd June 2025 at 12 noon

Interview Date      – Thursday 12th June 2025