WMCA is continually evolving as an organisation. We’re busy making transport happen with key rail station developments at Willenhall, Darlaston, Moseley, Hazelwell and Kings Heath. Our Cycle & Walking team is getting people moving whilst reducing the region’s carbon footprint, and we’re investing millions in housing and land development schemes. With more devolved funding coming our way for projects in transport, housing, regeneration and skills, there’s no better time to join us. 

As one of our Assistant Solicitors, you’ll have the opportunity to work on some major rail projects. You’ll give legal support to the in-house legal team on a range of areas to support the work they do on major projects, including acquisitions, disposals, leases, licenses, and general contracts. 

What will you be doing?

• Manage a mixed caseload of commercial property legal matters deal with instructions through to post completion
• Undertake transactional work such as acquisitions, disposals, leases, licences, general contracts and other general commercial property matters
• Complete compulsory purchase orders, grant funding agreements and Transport and Works Act orders
• Draft legal documents and correspondence as required for your caseload
• Undertake research for the in-house team
• Understand the business and procedures of the client department serviced by your role, and attend any meetings as required
• Provide first point advice and signpost people to the right people and advice in more complex matters
• Assist with any enquires raised by the client and by solicitors acting for other parties
• Comply with WMCA Constitution and all WMCA policies and procedures and where appropriate provide advice on the authorisation process for decisions

About you

• Newly qualified solicitor, FILEX or barrister with up to 2 years PQE Degree educated with successful completion of the Legal Practice Course
• Experience of effectively managing a mixed caseload in the relevant legal area ensuring balance of competing deadlines and client demands
• Possess the ability to draft concise, effective legal documents and written communication for varying audiences at all levels of the organisation
• Proven ability to work autonomously, exercise discretion and sound judgement where necessary
• Demonstrate a positive, ‘can-do’ style of working whilst having the confidence to challenge the status quo and show tact, diplomacy, empathy and political awareness with resilience

About us

WMCA is committed to a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener and healthier region. This is our vision. We will achieve our vision through living our values which are central to how we work and interact with our wider partners and stakeholders.

We’re a partnership organisation. Our people feel valued and respected, have a can-do attitude and are innovators. We try new ways of doing things, we aren’t afraid to fail, learn from what went wrong and try again. Our people are empowered to be creative and explore and innovate.

We are a “Leaders in Diversity” accredited organisation, are in the Inclusive Top 50 Employers List and are one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have made a positive commitment to interviewing all applicants with a disability who meet the essential role criteria. We are committed to building a team of people with varied backgrounds and experiences as we recognise that this will only benefit us as an employer, the more inclusive we are the better our work will be.

As an organisation, we will continue to adapt and develop to the opportunities and challenges ahead. We will continue to transform ourselves and our organisation into the best we can be, underpinned by our values and behaviours and everyone contributes towards achieving our vision.

Furthermore, wherever possible we will offer flexible working options which assist work-life balance. We are very happy to discuss a flexible working pattern that suits your needs, so please do not let that be a barrier to applying. If your values align with ours and you’re committed to working towards creating a future we can all be proud of, we want to hear from you.

About your application

You will be asked to upload an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria for the role for which you are applying.

If you would like to discuss alternative methods to the online application as a reasonable adjustment please contact the Resourcing Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Location

West Midlands Combined Authority operates a Hybrid way of working. This means splitting your time between the office at 16 Summer Lane, and working remotely. 

Supporting documents
Assistant Solicitor - Rail and Metro JD