Solicitor (Regulatory and Planning)

Ashton Recruitment require a Solicitor (Regulatory and Planning) for our client based in Belfast City Centre

Position: Solicitor (Regulatory and Planning)
Location: Belfast
Duration: Temporary
Rate of Pay: £28.49 per hour
Hours of Work: 37 hours per week

Duties will include (but not limited to):
* Carry out professional duties as a qualified solicitor in connection with an assigned caseload primarily relating to the matters set out below.
* Generally, advise officers of the client in relation to enforcement powers, including conducting PACE interviews, applying for search warrants, drafting summonses, directing proofs and other enforcement matters.
* Personally conduct hearings in the Magistrates Courts and criminal appeals in the County Court.
* Liaise with and provide, accurate and timely advice on matters relating to the functions and exercise of the powers and duties of the client including the interpretation of legislation and the requirements of administrative law, to officers of the client, government departments and statutory agencies and other bodies, as necessary, drafting reports and attending before committees in connection therewith as directed.
* Conduct the defence of statutory appeals relating to the exercise of the client functions.
* Generally, advise in relation to planning applications, planning policy and other planning related matters.
* Conduct the defence of appeals before the Planning Appeals Commission and represent the client at Planning Inquiries as directed.
* Conduct judicial reviews and Court of Appeal cases including submissions to court and responding to technical issues, as allocated by the Divisional Solicitor.
* Carry out all the foregoing duties in a proactive manner and complying with all relevant time limits and Rules of Court.
* Provide such training on legal matters to officers of the client and other bodies as may be required.
* Participate in the clients’ training programmes and undertake continuing legal education and professional development as required.
* Deputise for the Divisional Solicitor primarily within the post holder’s area of functional responsibility.
* Participate, as directed by the Divisional Solicitor, in corporate working groups and project teams.
* Motivate and manage any staff that may be assigned to the post holder to ensure effective service delivery and to be responsible for reviewing and implementing a proper staff training and development programme.
* Participate in all induction and in-service training provided by the client and in the induction and support of all newly appointed staff and other human resource management policies and procedures, as appropriate, including, absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedure.
* Participate as directed in the client’s recruitment and selection procedures.
* Act in accordance with the clients and departmental policies and procedures including customer care, equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding and any pertinent legislation.
* Undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the client.
* Undertake such other relevant duties as may from time to time be required.
* This job description has been written at a time of significant organisational change an

Essential Criteria
Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms:
A. be a solicitor that is entitled to practise in Northern Ireland.
B. have a third level qualification in a relevant subject, such as Law, or equivalent qualification; and
C. possess a full, current driving licence which enables them to drive in Northern Ireland and a car availa-ble for official business or, have access to a form of transport which enables them to meet the re-quirements of the post in full

Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms, be able to demonstrate on the applica-tion form, by providing personal and specific examples, at least two years relevant experience in two of the following four areas:
1. conducting personal advocacy in the Magistrates Court
2. advising, drafting and instituting proceedings in the Magistrates or County Court;
3. interpreting and providing legal advice on legislation and legal proceedings; and, or
4. advising on planning applications, planning policy and other planning related matters.

Ashton Recruitment is acting as a Recruitment Business