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 of Council it is
placed in.
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 & Abilities
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 need:
- oral and written skills;
- influencing skills;
- analysing and problem solving skills;
- research skills;
- 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.
Legal Officers 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 three years in a solicitors'
office, dealing with property and conveyancing cases. Five
years experience of property and conveyancing law and two years in
local government is helpful.
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.
Further Information & Services
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives www.cilex.org.uk
Institute of Paralegals www.theiop.org
National Association of Licensed Paralegals www.nationalparalegals.co.uk
Solicitors in Local Government www.slgov.org.uk
The Law Society www.lawsociety.org.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.