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- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice and manage a team to support the Council's legal needs.
- Company: Join a dynamic Council dedicated to serving the community with integrity and professionalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while working on high-profile legal matters.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor or barrister with extensive senior-level experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence policy and contribute to significant legal projects.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
To provide expert legal advice, assistance and support to the Council in the areas of specialism of the post at a complex/high profile level. Line management of in-house team of professional legal staff providing high quality legal services to the Council.
Responsibilities
- Relationship manager with internal and external clients, partnerships, alliances and outside bodies.
- Act as Deputy Monitoring Officer in the absence of the Head of Legal Services.
- Assist the Head of Legal/Assistant Director of Legal in the management of the department’s overall internal and external budget of approximately £6m.
- Deliver excellent value for money legal services within the jobholder’s special areas of responsibility.
- Monitor the outputs and inputs of Legal spend.
- Manage the clients Service Level Agreements.
- Act in a deputising role for the Head of Legal Services, covering all aspects and responsibilities of the post as required; represent the Head of Legal Services, the Department and the Council, both at internal working groups and at meetings between other Local Authorities and Central Government Departments on a range of technical and professional matters in their area of specialism.
- Contribute, advise and assist service, department and Corporate strategies by advising upon the legal impact of various options, including long-term implications and application of legislation, regulation and guidance.
- Be an expert in their area of specialism and have considerable experience of providing legal advice and assistance in these areas.
- Contribute to the effective development and implementation of the Council’s policies, procedures in response to new legislation or case law in their area of specialism, in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Council in achievements of performance targets.
- Provide training on legal issues for Council members and staff as required from time to time.
Requirements
- A qualified solicitor / barrister / legal executive with a high level extensive experience of working at a senior level in and/or in project groups.
- Proven experience of working at a senior level with senior officers and providing legal advice in the context of political, controversial and sensitive matters.
- Knowledge of local government and administrative law and of Local Authority Trading companies.
- Ability to manage a budget includes financial monitoring within a Service Level Agreement.
Contact Detail:
Vox Network Consultants Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Principal Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in local government and legal sectors. Attend relevant conferences, seminars, or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in local authority law.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal challenges faced by councils. Research recent case studies or legal changes that have impacted local authorities to demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing budgets and Service Level Agreements. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully monitored legal spend and delivered value for money in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work collaboratively with senior officers and stakeholders. Highlight instances where you've navigated political sensitivities while providing legal advice, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Principal Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a qualified solicitor or barrister, particularly focusing on your senior-level work and any relevant project groups. Emphasise your knowledge of local government and administrative law.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate your understanding of the role's responsibilities, such as managing budgets and providing legal advice on sensitive matters. Use specific examples from your past experience to demonstrate your expertise.
Highlight Relevant Skills: When detailing your skills, focus on your ability to manage relationships with internal and external clients, as well as your experience in delivering value for money legal services. Mention any training you have provided on legal issues.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents to ensure there are no errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a legal position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vox Network Consultants
✨Showcase Your Legal Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your specific areas of legal specialism in detail. Highlight your experience in providing legal advice on complex and high-profile matters, as well as your understanding of local government and administrative law.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Principal Lawyer, you'll be managing a team. Share examples of your leadership experience, particularly in guiding teams through challenging projects or sensitive legal issues. This will show your capability to lead and mentor others.
✨Understand the Council's Objectives
Research the Council's current policies, challenges, and strategic goals. Be ready to discuss how your legal expertise can contribute to their objectives and enhance the efficiency of their operations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to navigate political sensitivities or manage a budget effectively, and be ready to share those insights.
