Legal Services is located in the Municipal Buildings, Falkirk. As a central service department, the principal role of Legal Services is to support the Council, its Members and front line service providers to achieve the Council's goals.
Throughout the service, both in its support role and as direct service provider in the areas of statutory functions, including, the operation of the District Court and in Council House Sales, we undertake to deliver high quality services which are accessible to our customers and accountable, which are responsive to their needs and provide value for money, meeting overall the values of the Council.
Key responsibilities
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Professional advocacy:
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Freeing for Adoption
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Parental Responsibility Orders
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Emergency Child Protection Orders
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Exclusion Orders
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Petitions for guardianship
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Mental health hearings
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Recovery of rent arrears
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Repossession of Council housing
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Licensing
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Prosecutions under the Education (Scotland) Act 1990
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Interdicts
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Antisocial behaviour orders
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Tribunals and enquiries (employment matters, planning appeals, disciplinary and grievance hearings and education appeals)
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Appeals under the Children's Act 1989 and under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.
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Conveyancing:
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Negotiating missives of let and thereafter leases of commercial property
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Conveyancing of Council houses
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Conveyancing of land and buildings
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Promoting and implementing compulsory purchase orders.
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District Court:
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Clerking and administration of the District Court
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Appointing and training of Justices of the Peace
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Providing statistical information to the Scottish Executive.
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Legal Services:
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Legal advice, representation and chamber work
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Advising on, and monitoring of, Council's standing orders, policies and statutory obligations
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Promoting and processing statutory notices including traffic orders, byelaws, planning notices etc.