Job title: Principal Legal Officer (Prosecutor)
Salary: PO6 £51,356 – £54,495
Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent
Location: Civic Hall
Leeds City Council is a progressive authority which works closely with local communities and businesses and partner agencies to create a vibrant and economically thriving city. Our Prosecution legal team is highly regarded in the region, dealing with matters as diverse as littering and school attendance, environmental offences, planning breaches, fraud and health and safety prosecutions. We are looking for a qualified lawyer with experience in criminal law and prosecutions, who will undertake a substantial personal caseload of contentious and non‑contentious legal professional work arising from local authority enforcement matters.
About the Role
The role is integral to the Council’s ambitions for a better city and specifically to combat Environmental crime such as fly tipping across the city. You will advise on a wide range of prosecution and enforcement matters, working closely with council colleagues and third parties to find pragmatic and innovative solutions; and represent the Council in the Magistrates Court and in the Crown Court with a barrister. As part of a small team, you will support other team members and non‑qualified staff.
Responsibilities
- Undertake a substantial personal caseload of complex legal professional work, primarily prosecution legal work, and provide support in at least one other area of law covered by the section.
- Support generation of external income and actively coach and mentor staff within the section and service.
- Represent Council colleagues and other clients in proceedings in tribunals, the Magistrates Court and, where rights of audience apply, higher courts, including contested proceedings.
- Conduct investigatory and preparatory work to ensure effective presentation of cases and advise on case progression and strategy.
- Draft and issue court proceedings and other documentation such as instructions to counsel.
- Draft legal documentation, agreements and advice.
- Foster a “can do” attitude, advise and support colleagues, clients and members, contribute to change and increase external income generation.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with internal colleagues, external stakeholders and parties, including Members, directors and senior officers.
- Maintain awareness of legislative and case law developments that might impact work and advise accordingly.
- Provide oral and written legal advice to committees and clients on complex matters.
- Work flexibly as part of a team to cover court and tribunal commitments and other work as required.
- Meet all professional requirements such as the SRA competency framework and SRA Standards and Regulations.
- Support other staff, provide training to colleagues and clients as required.
- Perform all functions in accordance with Council policies and codes of practice, constitution, the Legal Services’ standards, objectives, targets, timescales and Lexcel procedures.
- Attend meetings, tribunals, inquiries/appeals and courts outside the boundaries of Leeds City Council and outside normal working hours as required.
- Perform other duties mandated by the Council as commensurate with the Grade.
- Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
- Comply with mandatory Council policies and procedures, and support equality and non‑discrimination.
Qualifications and Experience
- Solicitor or Barrister entitled to hold a practising certificate or FCILEX with a Legal Executive Advocate Certificate (Criminal Proceedings).
- Substantial experience managing complex personal caseload.
- Proven ability to provide advice on complex matters.
- Experience in advocacy, including complex contested hearings.
- Ability to communicate effectively and establish productive relationships at various levels.
- Capacity to resolve complex legal problems in a local government context.
- High competence in legal research, drafting and preparing documents, guidance notes, reports, statements, letters and memoranda.
- Ability to anticipate changes, identify strategies and adapt to new situations.
Essential Behavioural & Other Characteristics
- Understand and embrace Leeds City Council values, behaviours and codes of conduct.
- Committed to continuous improvement and help deliver the Leeds Ambitions of health, wellbeing, inclusive growth, thriving communities and sustainable city.
- Understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
- Support equality, diversity and non‑discrimination and challenge incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation.
- Flexible and adaptable to change and willing to support other services where necessary.
Equality and Diversity
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
Right to Work in the UK
This role is based in the UK. Candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement Scheme or through a relevant work visa.
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