Litigation Legal Officer - Housing

Role Purpose 

To work collaboratively with colleagues, partners, and other stakeholders to help build a sustainable highly effective organisation and develop our reputation as a successful council delivering great value for its residents.
 
To contribute to the efficient and cost-effective delivery of legal services within a culture of customer focus, continuous improvement, service excellence and employee development.
Responsibilties 

• Conduct a personal workload of disrepair cases  and comply with applicable time limits.
• Respond to pre-action letters, instruct expert witnesses, advise on quantumn for damages, prepare and collate pleadings, witness statements, and other legal documentation.
• Brief Counsel in accordance with the Legal Services’ procedures and, when necessary, attend conference with Counsel.
• Research and advise client officers.
• Act as the Council’s advocate at the County Court, Magistrates Court and other Tribunals.
• Provide support to the solicitors in the Litigation.
• Assist in the development of policy and procedures in the Litigation team.

• Law Degree or equivalent
• Previous experience working in a council or housing association is preferred 
• Desirable to have experience of civil litigation within a Local Government setting
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with individuals and groups at all levels, both within and outside the Council.
• Ability to represent the Council in the Magistrates’ and County Courts

• Initial 3 to 6 month contract with the opportunity 
• Pay Negiotiable depending on experience 
• PAYE via Umbrella 
• Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Hybrid Working (office once per week/fortnight)