Contracts Lawyer

POST TITLE: Contracts Lawyer

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

• Responsible for the delivery of highest quality outcomes and effective legal advice to clients including the Cabinet, Committees, other Council bodies and elected Members.
• To ensure the legal services provided are cost effective and meet the principles of good governance in decision making.
• Support the development and delivery of relevant strategies, policies and departmental projects that secure the achievement of key council and service objectives.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Responsibilities

• To deliver a high quality, sustainable legal service that complies with the statutory framework and meets the Councils statutory and contractual obligations.
• Advising and attending Committees and sub-committees, members and Chief Officers and frequently advising the Departments in relation to the Law in matters specifically relating to the work of the section.
• Devising and implementing new methods, forms and procedures as required by new legislation, revised council policy or generally including the review of changes imposed in relation to specific services.
• Determining the effect of new legislation and advising specifically on the impact of new legislation on the delivery of the councils services or functions.
• Preparing reports and comments for reports to council, cabinet committees and sub-committees.
• Attendance at departmental working groups, steering panels and project group meetings to provide advice.
• To support the working practices and procedures for the services provided.
• To work with Senior Lawyers and Lawyers to ensure a consistent and holistic approach to the delivery of services.
• To draft documents and prepare pleadings.
• Prepare and processing all legal documents, including agreements, deeds, notices, orders, consents, byelaws relevant to the work of the council.
• Presentation of cases before courts and tribunals where the post holder has a right of audience on all matters in relation to the work of the council.
• Responding to legal questions received from members of the council, members of Parliament, the ombudsman and external organisations within a specific area of activity and under the supervision of the Senior Lawyer.
• To undertake the review of files under the guidance of the senior Lawyer, organise meetings and take notes of meetings.
• To support and advise at meetings, working parties and officer groups as required.
• To maintain good governance in managing own caseload of complex work under minimal supervision.
• Co-ordinate research upon legal questions arising from the work of team including, where necessary, briefing Lawyers/or Counsel.
• Assist on negotiating and concluding contractual arrangements with Solicitors, Barristers, Valuers and Land Agents, and external agencies.
• To ensure continuous improvements within the area of expertise, and that the service is responsive to the changing environment.
• To maintain the improvement in equal opportunities in employment and service delivery.
• To keep up to date records of chargeable hours targets for the area of service.
• To maintain files in accordance with Lexcel requirements and the Office Procedure Manual.
• To undertake other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the post.

JOB CONTEXT

• The vision for Legal Services is:

To be the our first choice provider of legal services, offering a sustainable, high-quality, responsive & efficient value for money service to us and to the communities of Southwark.

• All solicitors are regulated by the principles and code of conduct governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The principles and outcomes are mandatory and apply to all aspects of practice.