Legal Officer (Claims Handling) - 37 Hours

Application Deadline: 9 November 2026

Department: Corporate Services

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Torbay Council

Reporting To: Team Manager

Compensation: £29,542 - £32,046 / year

Description

Job Description & Person Specification >

We are seeking a confident and proactive Legal Officer to join our Licensing and Litigation team.

You will handle a varied caseload of low value compensation claims against the Council, including public liability, employers' liability and property damage claims. The role involves investigating claims, assessing liability, gathering evidence, liaising with insurers and solicitors, and supporting the effective, fair, and timely resolution of claims to protect the Council's interests.

The successful candidate will also provide support to solicitors and other legal professionals in the management and progression of complex and high value claims.

You will be a proactive and organised individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities. Ideally, you will have experience of handling insurance, compensation or legal claims, strong investigative, analytical and negotiation skills, and knowledge of civil litigation processes and pre-action protocols.

Experience in local government, insurance or a legal environment would be advantageous, but most important is your ability to think critically, make sound decisions and work collaboratively. If you're looking for an opportunity to develop your career within a supportive and forward-thinking legal team, we'd love to hear from you.

This post requires a Standard Criminal Level Check. This will show details of all spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions that have not been filtered in line with legislation.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
https://www.torbay.gov.uk/legal-officer-claims-handling/

For an informal chat please contact Samantha Goodwin on 01803 207164 or samantha.goodwin@torbay.gov.uk.

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 16th November 2026.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

At times there is a need to close our adverts earlier than the date specified, however this advert will not close before 29th October. If you are keen to submit an application, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills

Essential:

Ability to give clear and accurate legal advice. The post holder is required to influence, support and advise.
Analytical and problem-solving skills.

As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Knowledge

Essential:

A developing knowledge of the law and procedures within the specialist discipline.
Understanding of local authority functions and services.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

5 x GCSEs or equivalent including English and Maths Grade C / 4 or above.

Skills

Knowledge

Experience & Qualifications

About Torbay Council