Job Description

An exciting opportunity has become available to work within the Property Team in the Legal Services Department. The position is for a Senior Lawyer.

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will work as part of the Property Team, which is a busy and supportive team, and will provide legal and procedural advice and services in the most efficient and effective way to meet the requirements of the Council as a whole and those of specific Services and Departments. You will ensure that the Council meets its obligations, act within the law and its interests are protected.



You will be an experienced and committed Lawyer and will deal with and provide support on a range of matters including:


Redevelopment/regeneration projects Compulsory Purchase Orders Disposal of Assets Infrastructure projects Landlord & Tenant Act issues Affordable Housing


The Council is currently involved in a large number of high profile projects including infrastructure (with the construction of new link roads) and major economic regeneration and the role is a challenging and dynamic one.



The role is diverse with no one day the same, for more information on the role please view the "In this job you will" section in the attached JDPS document.

ABOUT YOU

You will have:


An excellent working knowledge of property law together with an innovative, commercial approach to ensuring the delivery of a high quality legal service. the ability to work as part of a team and be flexible, enthusiastic and committed as the role will involve providing support to lawyers in the team whilst managing your own caseload excellent communication skills, be able to work under pressure and to prioritise your workload to meet tight deadlines. the ability to work collaboratively with project teams and client departments to ensure good client relations. excellent drafting skills, the ability to provide concise and clear advice, negotiate and carry out legal research and analysis. The ability and willingness to expand your legal skills and apply yourself to novel areas of the team's work which may not be currently within your own expertise.


You will be required to provide training to clients and stakeholders.



Experience gained in a Local Authority an an understanding of local government and administrative law would be an advantage. An appreciation of the challenges facing local authorities is key to the role.



You will report to the Principal Lawyer (team manager) and supervise colleagues in the Legal Service as appropriate.



To find out more about our essential and desirable criteria for the role please view the "In this job you will" section in the attached JDPS document.

WHAT WE GIVE IN RETURN

ENHANCED ANNUAL LEAVE

- 34 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) from day 1, increasing up to 39 days after only 5 years' service

ENHANCED PUBLIC PENSION

- A career average pension (contributions built at a rate of 1/49th of your yearly pensionable pay

FLEXIBLE WORKING PATTERN

- 37-hour standard full time working week with flexi time and hybrid/remote working arrangements

PURCHASE OF ANNUAL LEAVE

- The ability to purchase up to 10 days' extra annual leave each year in addition to your normal annual leave entitlements (this is pro-rata for part time staff)

CYCLE TO WORK SCHEME

- Receive Income Tax and National Insurance savings of up to 25-39% off the retail price of the bike and safety equipment package (savings dependent on the value of your chosen package and your tax status

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME

- A completely free to use and confidential assistance service for all employees to help staff manage, reduce and overcome the impact of life issues which they may experience from time to time, both within work and their personal life

PAID VOLUNTEER LEAVE

- Up to two days paid leave per year to volunteer for local organisations in the borough of Cheshire East

VIRGIN MEDIA AND O2 DISCOUNTS

- Exclusive discounts on Virgin Media Broadband and O2 pay monthly plans.

DISCOUNTED GYM MEMBERSHIPS

- Access to corporate membership prices for Everybody Leisure which includes:

Gym, Swim and Group Fitness at all 16 facilities

Off-Peak Racket Sports

Athletics Tracks

Sauna/Steam/Spa


To find out more about our rewards and benefits package, please click here

Organisation

Cheshire East Council

Location

Sandbach

Job Category

Legal and Governance

Grade

CEC NJC - Grade 11

Salary Min

46,581 per annum

Salary Max

53,289 per annum

Hours per week

37

Weeks per year

52.143

Employment Type

Permanent

Closing Date

09/05/2025

Ref No

E3019

ABOUT US

Cheshire East is an amazing place to live and work. As one of the largest employers in the borough, we can offer you a wide range of challenging and rewarding career opportunities. At Cheshire East Council we are working for a brighter future - together and our commitment to you is that our workplace culture will provide a shared purpose, a well-led organisation with valued people succeeding together as one team and one council to deliver the best service for our customers and communities.

HOW TO APPLY

If you want to be part of our award-winning council and contribute to our ongoing success, have the flexibility and drive to enable us to innovate, are committed to working as part of a team and striving to deliver exceptional service wherever you can, we would especially like to hear from you. To apply for the role please Apply for this job at the bottom of the page, or, for or an informal chat about the role please contact Mandy Withington on 01270 685825.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information please contact Mandy Withington (Principal Lawyer) via email; mandy.withington@cheshireeast.gov.uk



Please ensure you check the email account (including junk/spam boxes) from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.



If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date then it is likely that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion, however please do not be discouraged from applying again.



For any technical enquiries please email sourcingteam@ecwip.co.uk



Please quote job reference number in all correspondence.