Introduction

All local authorities have legal departments staffed by solicitors, barristers, legal officers and assistants who provide advice for managers and elected members. Some are concerned with conveyancing work (buying and selling of land and property on behalf of the council which owns offices, halls, parks, housing, sports grounds and estates).

The size of a council’s legal department varies according to size and type – though every authority except for county councils employs a legal officer.

Work Environment

Most of the time is spent seated at desks in council offices and attending meetings. Legal officers will also attend court hearings. They normally work a 37-hour week, Monday to Friday.

Daily Activities

Some of the larger authorities have substantial land holdings and legal officers are required to conduct conveyancing transactions from initial instruction through to completion. There are times when this will entail dealing with complex or sensitive matters. For example, officers might carry out ’searches’ to ensure that the seller is the legal owner of the property and to find out whether it is subject to any council preservation or planning regulation. When the results are not favourable the officer may have to prepare a legal case against the vendor. Legal officers also give advice to other officers of the council and elected members on all aspects of the law relating to real estate including landlord and tenant issues. Day to day conveyancing duties that legal officers have to deal with include:

• buying property
• disposing of property
• preparing or approving leases, tenancy agreements, licences and easements (this might be for the proposed building of a restaurant, for example)
• charging of property (rents at legitimate levels)
• compulsory purchase orders – preparing and completing expert reports for land tribunals and other statutory bodies – for land development, for example
• preparing pleadings for property related landlord and tenant applications to the county court
• gathering evidence and compiling reports for land registry hearings on disputed ownership title applications
• undertaking complex legal research.

As they are responsible for assets and materials, legal officers look after:

• title deeds
• cash/cheques – often large amounts
• confidential files
• equipment used within the land property team
• computer hardware and software.

Skills & Interests

They must be able to:

• use initiative and work as part of a team
• communicate complex legal advice to help lay people understand
• cope with stressful situations
• respect the need for sensitivity and confidentiality
• be objective
• deal with difficult people.

They should also have:

• good oral and written skills
• a persuasive manner
• the capacity for logical thinking
• research ability
• good drafting skills
• IT skills
• political awareness.

Entry Requirements

Part 1 of the Institute of Legal Executives examination or equivalent is essential, and Part 11 desirable.

Practical knowledge of the law relating to real property is essential.

You would be expected to show evidence of self-development and a willingness to undergo further training in communication skills, file management, client care, advocacy and document drafting skills

Experience is very important.. It is essential to have had at least 3 years in a solicitor’s office, dealing with property and conveyancing cases. Five years experience of property and conveyancing law and 2 years in local government is helpful.

Estimated salary range

£18,000 – £26,000 per year.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

Opportunities for advancement are greater in large authorities. With further training, you can specialise in other areas of local authority law such as enforcement. Fellows of the Institute of Legal Executives can train to become solicitors or barristers. Senior positions will carry more responsibility and involve giving advice to staff on aspects of law.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Supporting Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Institute of Legal Executives www.ilex.org.uk

Solicitors in Local Government www.slgov.org.uk

Law Society www.lawsociety.org.uk

Law Society of Scotland www.lawscot.org.uk

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under L.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Legal Officer vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.