Summary
Area: Governance & Democracy
Salary: £44,075 - £52,413 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Closing Date: 01-Feb-2026@23:59
Description
This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, friendly corporate Legal Team working in a council that’s big enough to make a difference but small enough to feel like family. You will be given your own caseload and have the support and the space to shine, make your own mark and to feel valued.
We are looking for a candidate who is a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive and ideally has 2-6 years PQE experience. That said, if you are qualified with raw talent but little or no PQE experience and are hungry to progress then this career-graded opportunity might just be for you.
The key function of the job is to deal (predominantly) with non-contentious aspects of local government law, including contract, procurement, planning and property related matters. If you do not have any experience in those areas but are willing to learn, then training will be provided for the right candidate. A strong background in legal services is necessary however, Local Government experience is not essential.
Our team work together, problem solving, sharing expertise, knowledge, and experience so that everyone can thrive. Regular team meetings promote continual development and a strong sense of belonging. Everyone is supported to achieve their full potential.
You will already be a confident, credible verbal and written communicator who is competent in all Microsoft Office applications. Someone who has the ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and case law to provide practical legal advice and has excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.
We operate a hybrid system of working with some office working. Home working is actively supported.
For a full list of duties and requirements of the role, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification found in the "Supporting Documentation" section below.
To see just how good the range of other benefits are check out the “Employee Benefits” section on our web site’s jobs page.
Alternatively, for more information or for an informal discussion about the role, please contact Laura.Chaplin@gedling.gov.uk
Closing date for completed applications is Sunday 1st February 2026, with interviews being held week commencing 9th February.
Person Specification
Key: D=Desirable, E=Essential, I=Interview, A=Application Form, T=Test, M=Medical
Relevant Experience
| Requirement | Assessment | Criteria |
| (E) |
(A/I) |
Experience of dealing with non-contentious legal matters |
| (E) |
(A/I) |
Experience of drafting, negotiating and advising on contracts and agreements |
| (D) |
(A/I) |
Experience of appearing at courts, tribunals, hearings |
| (D) |
(A/I) |
Thorough and up to date knowledge and understanding of local government
law |
| (D) |
(A/I) |
Experience of drafting and advising on policy documents or similar |
| (D) |
(A/I) |
Experience of dealing with contentious legal matters. |
| (D) |
(A/I) |
Experience of working in a local government environment. |
Qualifications / Training
| Requirement | Assessment | Criteria |
| (E) |
(A) |
Educated to degree level or equivalent and a qualified Solicitor or Barrister or Legal Executive |
| (E) |
(A) |
Evidence of continuing professional development |
| (D) |
(A) |
For Band 11 – must have at least 2 years PQE as Solicitor or Barrister or Legal
Executive |
| (D) |
(A) |
For Senior Legal Officer (Band 12) – must have at least 4 years PQE as Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive |
Job Related Skills
| Requirement | Assessment | Criteria |
| (E) |
(A/I/T) |
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing |
| (E) |
(A/I) |
Competent user of Microsoft Office products |
| (E) |
(A/I/T) |
Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and case law to provide practical legal advice |
| (E) |
(A/I) |
Excellent drafting skills and a keen eye for attention to detail |
| (D) |
(A/I) |
Good advocacy skills |
| (E) |
(I) |
The ability to converse with ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English. |
Personal Attributes
| Requirement | Assessment | Criteria |
| (E) |
(A/I) |
Able to demonstrate a structured and methodical approach to managing tasks |
| (E) |
(A/I) |
Able to work under pressure, prioritise work methodically and meet deadlines |
| (E) |
(A/I) |
Able to work effectively with others to ensure that work deadlines are met |
| (E) |
(A/I) |
Able to demonstrate a confident and credible manner |
| (E) |
(A/I) |
Able to demonstrate an active contribution to change and continuous service improvement |
| (E) |
(A/I) |
Self -motivated, striving to set high standards for self and others |
| (E) |
(A/I) |
Honesty and integrity |
Equal Opportunities
| Requirement | Assessment | Criteria |
| (E) |
(I) |
Able to demonstrate a practical and up to date understanding of equality issues |
Gedling Employee
| Requirement | Assessment | Criteria |
| (E) |
(I) |
Committed to the principles of the “Gedling Employee” and “Gedling Manager” as appropriate to the post |
Work Circumstances
| Requirement | Assessment | Criteria |
| (E) |
(I) |
A commitment to keeping up with personal and professional development |
| (E) |
(A/I) |
Ability and willingness to work outside normal office hours |
| (E) |
(A/I) |
Ability and willingness to travel both inside and outside the Council area as required |
Supporting Documentation
It is very important that you also read the following information:
Other Useful Information