Planning and Litigation Lawyer

PLANNING & LITIGATION LAWYER (EH0023)

LEGAL SERVICES
EAST HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL & HAVANT BOROUGH COUNCIL

c. £31,346 to £41,881

East Hampshire and Havant Councils are supported by a shared legal service who are now looking for ambitious and highly motivated junior and senior solicitors or barristers to join its team of committed lawyers. This is an exciting time to join these authorities as they plan a number of major projects and develop new models to deliver essential services.

Legal Services supports both councils in a range of areas including projects, procurement, contracts, real estate, commercial and governance. The councils work in partnership with a number of other public sector organisations, has interests in community interest companies and takes a commissioning-led approach to service delivery. Our lawyers have the opportunity to make an impact on every facet of their work, including advising members and senior officers on matters of high financial and social value.

We offer modern working practices where flexibility is commonplace. Moreover, performance is measured more on outcomes. With all team members benefiting from a generous holiday entitlement, you can truly experience a fulfilling and rewarding career whilst enjoying a great work-life balance.

You will provide specialist legal advice on a range of matters within your practice areas and act for the councils in legal proceedings where required. This role involves advising on key legal risks associated with the councils’ planning matters and court cases.

As regards the litigious aspect of the role: the successful candidate will have knowledge and experience of conducting civil and or criminal litigation in the County Courts and or Magistrates’ Courts, be able to work on his or her own initiative and give advice on a wide range of legal issues. A good working knowledge of licensing and planning enforcement is required together with experience of section 146 forfeiture proceedings. You should also have extensive experience of landlord and tenant disputes arising out of non-payment of rent together with demonstrable experience of issuing fast or multi-track claims and a sound knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules. The successful candidate will also need to prepare debt recovery cases including issuing claims, drafting witness statements, settlement agreements and applications to the County Court.

The planning side of the role (in addition to enforcement work) will involve having responsibility for a varied caseload of complex matters. This will cover the full range of work in respect of development management, planning policy, planning committees, court challenges and appeals including advocacy.

A flexible, “can-do” attitude, coupled with an enthusiasm for learning new areas of Local Government law will be most desirable for this post. As you will be expected to execute wide ranging and varied instructions from receipt through to conclusion, then this trait will almost certainly prove beneficial.

We are looking for someone who is commercially aware and has the desire to develop a career in local government. Although some local authority experience would be an advantage, this is neither essential or required. You will be a confident communicator with excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. Furthermore, you will be required to work with the minimum of supervision, providing support to other members of the team, particularly more junior members, when required. A flexible approach and commitment to team working is therefore essential, as is the ability to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment. The successful candidates will also be required to work autonomously and exercise both discretion and sound judgement in fulfilling these roles.

In return for your hard work and contribution we can offer flexible working, a competitive salary, support for your continuous professional development, generous annual leave, free parking, family friendly policies and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. Take a look at our website for the full range of benefits and support we offer staff http://www.easthants.gov.uk/benefits-working-hbc

The council is an inclusive employer and appoint on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans.

The role is based in our modern offices within the Public Service Plaza, Havant. The postholder may be required to travel to Petersfield.

For a confidential discussion and job description please contact Mark Watkins, Legal Services Manager, on 07766 800195

For full details of the role, please visit https://www.easthants.gov.uk/jobs-with-us.

To apply please send your CV and cover letter to recruitmentsupport@havant.gov.uk Please also complete and include the Equal Opportunities form provided on our website.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 12:00 on 27^th November 2020.

Due to the current employment climate we are receiving a high number of applicants for each post and as such may not be able to acknowledge receipt of your application. You will however be notified as to whether you made the shortlist or not soon after the closing date.