The Role
Post: Lawyer (Corporate and Commercial Law)
Salary: Competitive
Grade: FRS F
Salary range: £ 47,384 - £61,529 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Application closing date: Tuesday 28 February 2023 at 16:00 GMT
London Fire Brigade is one of the largest fire and rescue services in the UK and in the world and delivers critical services to the people of London.
An opportunity has arisen for a specialist corporate and commercial lawyers to join General Counsel’s Department.
We are looking for someone keen to work in an environment where they will have a tangible impact supporting our firefighters and other staff to make London a safer city.
Every day our firefighters put themselves in harm’s way, they do so knowing they can rely on the equipment, appliances and services that your advice will help to buy.
Our officers are continually tasked with complex problems related to the running of a major public body, they will rely on your advice to understand the legal powers and duties that shape their decisions and influence how the Fire Brigade operates both at the front line and throughout the organisation.
We are accountable to the people of London every day and to the Mayor of London. You will be keen to both learn how we achieve this and to help us improve our accountability.
You will be asked every day to work with a variety of internal clients, colleagues and other stakeholders, at all levels of seniority, to meet the wide variety of challenges that arise in a major emergency service.
This roles require someone who can organise and manage a complex and challenging case-load, who can critically analyse information and who can provide succinct and effective written and oral advice.
Working in a team is fundamental to everything the Fire Brigade does whether on the fire ground, in the office or virtually. We believe in developing and supporting our staff. We seek to always support each other and are looking for someone who works well in a small team and will support other team members.
We exist to make a difference and you will be able to embody the London Fire Brigade’s Purpose and Vision and help us deliver our plan for 2023 to 2029, which we call ‘Your London Fire Brigade’.
You will be joining General Counsel’s Department, around 30 staff who collectively provide cost effective legal advice and representation to the London Fire Brigade on a wide range of practice areas including corporate, commercial, procurement, contractual, employment, pensions, fire prosecutions, personal injury and property. We also provide advice on the decision-making processes and the powers and duties of the London Fire Commissioner (LFC). Each area of work has a Team Manager, a team of lawyers and business support officers to assist with day to day work. We are looking for people keen join us and make a positive difference.
You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister or Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer in England and Wales who has completed a training contract, pupillage (or has been exempted from this by the Law Society or Bar Council) or has qualified through the CILEx route. Being highly organised, used to working electronically with minimum supervision and the ability to meet tight deadlines are crucial for this role. You should also bring sound judgement and analytical skills.
We would welcome applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates.
Benefits of working for LFB
• 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Option Absence Scheme (which can result in an additional 12 days annual leave for staff at this grade)
• Flexible working including job share
• Welfare Scheme
• Use of Brigade Medical Adviser/physios
• Season ticket loans
• Equality Support Groups
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Opportunity to access affordable accommodation
Assessment Overview
Further information about the main duties and responsibilities of the role are detailed in the job description. If you are unable to see the job description please visit our jobs pages at https://jobs.london-fire.gov.uk/alljobs/ to access the full advert.
To apply, please complete the online application, provide a cover letter clearly outlining the relevant experience, skills and knowledge you have to successfully perform this role (see the highlighted areas on job description below) and upload a copy of your up-to-date CV. Please note that we will review and score the cover letter based against the competencies highlighted on Selection Criteria in Job Description.
Stage 1
Online application, CV and cover letter (sift). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to stage 2.
Stage 2
Assessment for this role is due to take place mid-March. Please be advised that if you are unable to make the scheduled assessment date, we may not be able to make alternative arrangements.
Please note: Should you be shortlisted you may need to be able to conduct an interview over Microsoft Teams (a video conferencing service). You will be asked to provide relevant contact details for that to take place if shortlisted.
Please ensure you give yourself enough time to complete and submit your application. Late or un-submitted applications cannot be accepted.
Please note any correspondence received from us will be via e-mail and sent to the address you provide on your application form.
We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across London. The London Fire Commissioner is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we positively welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.
Additional Information
In line with the Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) employment checks will be completed by successful candidates, which will include a basic criminal records check. Successful candidate will be required to declare any convictions for offences which are not spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and any offer of employment is subject to the LFC receiving a criminal records disclosure which it considers satisfactory. Successful candidates should apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to get a copy of their criminal record and share the original disclosure certificate with the LFC. The check will only show convictions that are not ‘spent’. It will cost the successful candidates £23 (current charge) and usually takes up to 14 days.
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