Lawyer

Job Title: Lawyer Location: Camden Council, 5 Pancras Square, LondonContract Type: Temporary (Long-Term Sickness Cover)Hours: 36 hours per weekPay: £30 per hourIR35 Status: Inside IR35Start Date: 17th March 2025End Date: 15th June 2025Closing Date: 28th February 2025, 12:00pm

Camden Council is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Lawyer to join our legal team and provide comprehensive legal services in a variety of areas including housing, adult social care, contracts, employment, childcare, education, property, planning, licensing, anti-social behaviour, civil litigation, and prosecutions. This role is a temporary position covering long-term sickness, with an anticipated duration of approximately 3 months.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert legal advice and casework support, managing complex legal issues across various areas of law.
• Prepare and process legal matters, including evaluating evidence, instructing counsel, interviewing witnesses, and preparing proofs of evidence and witness statements.
• Deliver legal services in collaboration with other team members and provide training on legal matters to internal and external stakeholders.
• Undertake advocacy as required, representing the council in court hearings where appropriate.
• Prepare reports for committees and working parties, offering legal advice as needed.
• Conduct legal research, particularly in relation to new legislation, and assist in the implementation of new case management systems.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister.
• Knowledge and experience of local government and administrative law, with extensive expertise in one or more of the following areas: housing, social care, contracts, employment, childcare, education, property, planning, licensing, anti-social behaviour, civil litigation, or prosecutions.
• In-depth understanding of law and procedure in magistrates, county, crown, and high courts.
• Proven experience in advocacy, contested hearings, and drafting court and legal documents.
• Ability to work flexibly, with occasional out-of-hours work and travel between premises (such as client homes or courts) as required.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working in a local government setting.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and demanding environment.

Additional Information: This role may require contact with distressed or aggressive individuals due to the nature of the work. The position will be based primarily in the office, but occasional travel may be required.