PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
ESSENTIAL
Unsupervised working
Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet deadlines
Ability to build and maintain good relationships with clients
Positive attitude
Flexibility - ability to work as part of a team
Commitment to public service and the values of local government.
DESIRABLE
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QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT TRAINING
ESSENTIAL
Qualified solicitor or barrister entitled to a current practising certificate
Evidence of permanent professional development
A complete practical understanding of public law and the legislative impact of human rights and equality
Ability to transfer their knowledge and skills to successfully provide advice within local government.
DESIRABLE
A detailed and comprehensive understanding of local government law, the data protection and freedom of information act, and governance and constitutional issues
Diploma in local government law.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE  
ESSENTIAL
Experience of drafting, reviewing and negotiating legal documents, agreements and reports.
Experience of managing a varied caseload and prioritising competing demands effectively.
Experience of attending meetings and presenting legal advice clearly to senior officers, elected members and clients.
Ability to deal with contractual and procurement matters and/or property matters
Experience in conducting and advising on complex cases or projects within a relevant legal work area
Success in building and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders, colleagues, clients and external contacts and in discussing relevant issues and contacts.
DESIRABLE
Local government law.
SKILLS AND SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE
ESSENTIAL
Ability to draft complex legal documents;
Demonstrated ability to interpret and discuss law accurately and effectively;
Excellent written and oral communication skills and the confidence to clearly and credibly present oral cases, advice or reports to a variety of different audiences.
Ability to analyse complex information and produce advice that can be acted upon with confidence;
Ability to use initiative to meet deadlines and manage conflicting priorities;
Ability to use a range of information and communication technology effectively including experience and use of a case management system.
Current driving licence.
DESIRABLE
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LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Listening and Speaking - Advanced Level
We can follow a conversation or discussion through the medium of English and Welsh at a professional level and discuss general everyday topics in the field in order to present information and express their views.  Able to provide a pre-prepared presentation and respond to any comments and questions on it through the medium of English and Welsh.
Reading and Comprehension - Advanced Level
Can understand standard, formal and informal written English and English. Be able to gather information from various sources such as letters, reports, articles, through the medium of English and Welsh in order to perform the job.
Writing - Advanced Level
Present written information with confidence in the form of a letter, a more detailed and technical report and respond to written requests communicating information, ideas and opinions through the medium of English and Welsh. (Help can be found to check the language).