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 (plus Bank Holidays)
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
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: 32,115.00-36,124.00 per year
Benefits:
Additional leave
Company pension
Cycle to work scheme
Flexitime
Free parking
On-site parking
Work from home
Schedule:
Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bacup OL13 0BB
Reference ID: KL0008
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