PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
ESSENTIAL
A commitment to high professional and ethical standards.
• Resilient, flexible and able to manage competing priorities.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in all work.
• A pragmatic approach, focused on problem solving.
• A willingness to develop skills and adapt to changes in law and practice.
• A commitment to high professional standards, integrity and public service values.
• The ability to form positive relationships and build trust with colleagues, partners and elected members.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, Welsh language standards and inclusion.
• The ability to work independently in recognising when to seek guidance or escalate matters.
DESIRABLE
-
QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT TRAINING
ESSENTIAL
A qualified solicitor or barrister entitled to a current practising certificate.
Evidence of Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
DESIRABLE
Diploma in local government law
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
A strong, demonstrable knowledge of the relevant areas of law, such as:
1.Civil litigation
2.Adults Field of Work
• Experience of managing a variable caseload with very little supervision.
• Experience of providing sound, timely legal advice to officers, managers.
• Experience of drafting and negotiating legal documents, reports, contracts, orders or agreements.
• Experience of preparing legal documents, drafting pleas and conducting negotiations.
• Experience of working with external stakeholders (e.g. courts, counsel, regulators, partner organisations).
• Experience of working to various deadlines in a case law environment.
DESIRABLE
•Experience of working in a local authority or public sector legal service.
• Experience of preparing and presenting cases before courts or tribunals (e.g. Magistrates' Court, County Court, SENDIST, Employment Tribunal).
• Experience of instructing and liaising with counsel and external stakeholders.
• Experience of working to deadlines in a public-facing, politically-sensitive environment.
SKILLS AND SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE
ESSENTIAL
•Excellent legal and analytical research skills.
• Strong written skills: the ability to prepare high-quality reports, advice and legal documents.
• Confident verbal communication and advocacy skills (where required).
• The ability to interpret and apply legislation, case law, policy, and statutory guidance to local government functions.
• Effective time management and organisation skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
• Competent IT skills, including case management systems and Microsoft 365.
• Current driving licence.
DESIRABLE
-
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL
Listening and Speaking - Advanced Level
Able to follow a conversation or discussion through the medium of Welsh and English on a professional level and discuss general day-to-day topics in the field to present information and express opinions. Able to give a pre-prepared presentation and respond to any comments and questions on it in Welsh or English.
Reading and Understanding - Advanced Level
Able to understand standard written Welsh and English, both formal and informal. Able to gather information from various sources such as letters, reports and articles in Welsh and English to fulfil the post.
Writing - Advanced Level
Present written information confidently by letter, more detailed and technical report formats, and respond to written requests conveying information, ideas and opinions through the medium of Welsh and English. (Help is available to check the language.)
