We provide a range of legal and democratic services for the council. We’re a welcoming and inclusive team with a healthy workplace culture where everyone is free to be themselves.
Leeds is currently recognised as the leading legal centre in the UK outside London, so it’s an exciting time to join our bold and ambitious team. Our legal service is made up of 110 staff. We are Lexcel accredited and were shortlisted in the 2021 Law Society Excellence Award for In-House Team of the year. Work in this service is incredibly varied and may include presenting the council’s case at inquiries, tribunals and in court; providing advice on legal, procedural, and statutory issues in council meetings; drafting contracts and other legal documents for the council and providing advice to officers and members.
We support the council in a multitude of ways such as; employment, education, planning and highway law, criminal litigation including prosecutions, advice on licensing matters, property law including regeneration, property transactions, legalities around children and adult social care, IT law and much more.
Our democratic services team of 50 staff is responsible for the co-ordination of the council's decision making function. This team supports all the official and formal meetings such as full council and cabinet, as well as any other committee meetings. They also provide extensive support to the various political groups and councillors.
We’re looking for team members that:
- are willing to innovate and challenge
- come with fresh thinking, energy, and compassion for people
- can apply their knowledge, skills and judgement within a large and complex organisation
- are values-driven and outcome focussed
- Have a positive “can do” attitude and a collaborative approach to work
In return, we provide roles that will enable you to develop in both breadth and depth. We will support your development and career ambitions. We will also encourage you to craft and frame your job to maximise your diverse skills, talent and expertise.
Key roles across the service include:
- Legal officers and senior legal officers
- Principal legal officers (these are qualified solicitors, CILEX and barristers)
- Team leaders (these are qualified solicitors, CILEX and barristers)
- Admin support
- Governance officers
- Scrutiny advisers
- Case worker / researcher
- Political group manager
Our colleagues say:
Sofia, Senior Legal Officer
"As an aspiring solicitor, I took this role for a step up the career ladder and the clear opportunities for career development once I’ve qualified. I focus on legal work for adult social care which I enjoy, as well as feeling a sense of pride that I’m part of a team who help and support vulnerable adults in Leeds."
Toby, Governance Officer
"My role supports meetings of elected members and council officers making important decisions that aim to achieve the best outcomes for local people. Creating a record of key debates and decisions brings me work satisfaction, as does the opportunity to build my understanding of cross-council services and strong connections with colleagues."
