Southend-on-Sea is a vibrant and diverse coastal city known for its long beaches and famous pier. As one of the UK’s newest cities (over 200,000 residents and growing) and with its proximity to London, Southend is focused on the future with ambitious strategic plans. The Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer has restructured the Legal Services team to match these broader ambitions.

As part of this, the Director has hired a new Head of Legal focused on standards, performance, continuous improvement and organisational resilience, and is now looking to expand further by hiring 6 enthusiastic Lawyers and Senior Lawyers, with a range of experience. These positions are on a permanent basis and can be full-time or part-time depending on the level and team. The individual roles are set out below.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking Council committed to making a difference in one of the UK’s newest cities.

• Join a friendly, experienced, well-established, dedicated and professional team, which is ambitious, and creative, and where you will be supported to achieve your potential and make a difference. 

• Generous salaries, starting at £51,802 and increasing incrementally with service.
• Benefits package including Local Government Pension Scheme, 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days with 5 years of service), plus bank holidays, flexible working arrangements, and more.
• Southend offers hybrid working with a requirement for 2 days (pro-rata) in the office.
• Work in modern offices conveniently located near the city’s three train stations.
• Access opportunities for professional growth and development.

This position is on a permanent, full-time basis. As a Lawyer within the Council’s well-respected Legal Services team, you will be handling a technical legal caseload of cases of medium complexity, ensuring the provision of timely, accurate, and high-quality advice. You will work closely with colleagues, to deliver high standards of service in adult social care law. The role will include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Providing legal advice on Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act matters, issues relating to continuing health care and S117 and ordinary residence disputes

• Advising in respect of and having conduct of the litigation in relation to adult social care matters including applications relating to community DOLs, S21A challenges, S16 welfare proceedings, and displacement of nearest relative applications and judicial reviews.

• Addressing issues related to no recourse to public funds, safeguarding, financial matters, information governance and inquests.
• Work with the Court of Protection team which, for example, makes applications for finance and property deputyship and authority to sign or surrender tenancies.

• Qualified Solicitor/Barrister/Legal Executive with a current England & Wales practising certificate.
• 0-3 years post-qualification experience with some experience in the above areas.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Proven experience in the public sector, ideally local government.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage complex workloads.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and training.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

This is an exciting time to join Southend-on-Sea City Council. If you are a motivated and experienced legal professional looking to take on an interesting and rewarding role, we would love to hear from you.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy of either the Job Description please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.