Junior Adults Lawyer

Location

Tower Hamlets, Greater London | United Kingdom

Job description

3-4 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

· To be responsible to the Principal Lawyer – Adults for the provision of legal advice and undertaking a varied caseload relevant to the grade in the areas of work covered by the team.

· To be one of a team of lawyers dealing with Adults Social Care, reporting to the Principal Lawyer – (Safeguarding) Adults. The work will predominantly be providing general advice on and the conduct of routine and moderately complex cases involving adult social services issues.

· The role will also offer the opportunity to undertake advocacy at the Court of Protection and County Court. You will be able to conduct your caseload with minimum supervision and will be accustomed to working at pace in a busy team.

Key Duties/Accountabilities:

· To act as lawyer in a Team of lawyers primarily responsible for non-complex legal matters arising from the Council’s adults’ social care and education functions.

· To assist with the day to day activities within the Team.

· To assist the Principal Lawyer – Adults in the overall operation development of the Team and provide cover as and when required to other parts of the legal service.

· To assist in the preparation of committee reports relevant to the caseload undertaken and to provide legal advice, comments and guidance as required for the report ensuring that the Constitution is met and that the Council has the vires to deal with the matter.

· To prepare reports, briefing notes or other appropriate documents in relation to proposed, new or changing legislation and Council policies and procedures relevant to the caseload undertaken and assist in training officers.

· If required to draft witness statements and other legal documents (including bespoke documents and preparing precedents) appropriate to the work undertaken by the Team utilising available IT systems for these purposes. To ensure that all legal precedents used are up to date. To assist the Principal Lawyer – Adults in legal process reviews to ensure efficient and effective working practices.

· To deal with an extensive workload requiring legal drafting, procedure and advice on the range of issues arising in the team including dealing with matters of a sensitive nature and ensuring confidentiality at all times.

· To attend and advise statutory panels and boards as and when required. Including attendance at meetings with senior officers from other public bodies, central government and senior partners from private legal practices.

· In conjunction with the Principal Lawyer – Adults to determine the need for and use of external advice and/or representation at Court and Tribunals in order to properly meet the requirements of the Council and to instruct accordingly and attend conferences when required.

· To ensure the cost effective and professional conduct of pending or actual legal proceedings and disputes instituted by or against the Council.

Essential Experience Required:

· Experience of working with relevant legislation, standards national policies and legal procedures that apply to the post, in particular in respect of public sector work is essential.

· Experience of managing Court of Protection deprivation of liberty safeguards and welfare cases Mental health cases – s117 and nearest relative Ordinary residence is essential.

· Experience of working with local government law and administration is essential.

·  Experience of dealing with judicial review Experience of Adult Safeguarding, Inherent Jurisdiction, and Inquests is essential.

· Experience of S.17/20 of the Children Act and adults and families with NRPF is desirable.

Essential Qualifications Required:

· Practising Solicitor/Barrister or Fellow of CILEX with relevant experience in the post or similar qualification is essential.

Additional information to note:

· Working hours: 35 hours per week offering flexible working arrangements.

· An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

· The candidate maybe required to work evenings and weekends as needed.

The closing date for this position is 11 th February 2024.

Job tags

Salary