Solicitor

Solicitor

Grade 7 Solicitor required for a large public sector organisation based through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

Location: Housing Centre, Adelaide Street.

Pay Per Hour: £19.81

Full Time / Part Time: Full Time

JOB SUMMARY/MAIN PURPOSE:

The Solicitor will be expected to work independently, under the supervision of a Senior Solicitor to ensure the provision of a high-quality legal service to all levels of the organisation. The Solicitor will undertake and assist in the provision of professional and timely expert legal advice, assistance and representation in relation to a wide range of employment law matters

To contribute to the provision of a modern, professional and responsive legal service to support NIHE core business delivery and our vision and values.

MAIN DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

1.To undertake and assist in the provision of professional and timely expert legal advice and representation for the Housing Executive on a wide range of employment matters, including non-contentious advisory work and acting in defence of employment related proceedings taken against the Housing Executive.

2.To carry out research into legal issues and provide strategic and timely opinion papers and advice to clients.

3.To liaise with, attend and advise clients and third parties and accept new instructions as directed.

4.To draft Tribunal proceedings/pleadings, collate discovery, assist in the preparation of witness statements, preparing briefs for counsel and trial bundles.

5.To work collegially with other members of the legal Services team and provide advice and assistance in respect of ongoing general litigation dealt with by Legal Services, as and when the need arises.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.To undertake and to be responsible for the management of their own caseload while being subject to the direction and supervision of a Senior Solicitor.

2.To participate and support the building and maintaining an effective and efficient Legal Services team and ensuring a professional and high-quality service in support of the Housing Executive's objectives and outcomes.

3.To assist with the preparation of briefing materials for Committee and Board approval as required and attending these meetings as appropriate.

4.To operate and maintain the relevant information management systems and controls.

5.To work collaboratively with members of the Legal Services team to deliver business objectives.

6.To provide regular reports on all legal work to the supervising Senior Solicitor to enable compliance with reporting controls to the Director of Corporate Services, the Chief Executive and the senior management team, as may be considered necessary or appropriate.

7.To maintain and continuously develop their professional knowledge and competence across a broad range of legal matters to enable and ensure the provision of quality legal advice and assistance to the Housing Executive.

8.To undertake any other duties which may be assigned to meet organisational need and the change agenda, and which are reasonably regarded as within the nature of the duties, responsibilities and grade of the post as defined.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Applicants must provide evidence by the closing date for application that they meet the following essential criteria:

1.Possess a degree or equivalent level (Level 6*) qualification. *refer to the Qualifications Framework

2.Be a solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland qualified to practice in Northern Ireland.

2a. Can demonstrate at least 3 year's post-qualification experience within the last five years undertaking and/or assisting in the provision of professional and timely legal advice on a wide range of employment law matters, including non-contentious advisory work and conducting employment related legal proceedings.

3.Can demonstrate a strong understanding of Industrial Tribunal practice and procedure in Northern Ireland.

4.Can demonstrate: (To be assessed at Interview)

• Excellent analytic thinking and decision-making skills
• Strong organisational skills in order to manage a busy and varied caseload
• Ability to work well under pressure of multiple deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal communication and influencing skills
• Willingness and ability to work collegiately

Candidates may also be assessed against the relevant section of the NIHE Behavioural Framework.

5.Possess a current driving licence or have access to a form of transport that enables them to meet the requirements of the post in full.

If you are interested and available for this position, please upload your CV to the link or contact Emer McNally on [email protected]

To be shortlisted for this role all applicants must meet the essential criteria. Please note that these roles may be filled quickly but your CV will be kept on file for future similar roles. As there are so many applications, unsuccessful candidates may not be contacted.

Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Staffline regardless of if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level.