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 appointing an enthusiastic Senior Lawyer, with a range of experiences. 

Southend City Council are looking to appoint a permanent, full-time Senior Lawyer.

As a lawyer within the Council’s well-respected Legal Services team, you will be managing and advising on all aspects of care proceedings, adoption proceedings and dealing with international issues as and when necessary.

The role will include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Advising on and managing all aspects of care proceedings.
• Drafting all documents relating to applications under the Children Act 1989, including case management documents, threshold statements, orders and case summaries as necessary.
• Representing the Council at court.
• Advising and managing DOL (Deprivation of Liberty) and Secure Accommodation proceedings.
• Dealing with S7 and S37 matters.
• Lead and take responsibility for routine and complex cases, including High Court applications and Judicial Reviews as necessary.
• Manage up to three legal assistants, empowering and engaging them to continually improve and deliver successful outcomes.

Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week.

• Qualified Solicitor/Barrister/Legal Executive with a current England & Wales practising certificate.

  • 0–3 years post-qualification experience within the social care sector.
  • Understanding of local government and experience of working in a political environment
  • 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.

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 the Job Description, please Click here

If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com

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.

All applicants for this role will require a standard DBS check.

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.