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- Tasks: Advise on governance matters and support local authorities in impactful projects.
- Company: Join a leading law firm dedicated to improving lives and communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and opportunities for social purpose volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public sector governance while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with strong governance experience preferred.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with excellent career growth and training opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our nationally recognised Local Government and Planning Team is looking for an experienced Governance Lawyer (ideally 3+ years PQE) to support our thriving Chambers and Legal 500-ranked practice. We work with a wide range of local authorities, combined authorities and public bodies across the country, advising on some of the most interesting and impactful governance matters in the sector.
Clients include:
- A broad mix of local authorities (as referenced on our website and approved client list)
- Local government organisations undertaking significant governance, constitutional and structural change
- Public bodies requiring specialist governance and monitoring officer support
Recent work includes:
- Advising a Metropolitan Borough Council on a full constitution review, including executive arrangements and delegations
- Supporting a Local Government client on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
- Conducting independent investigations relating to member/officer conduct and standards matters
- Advising multiple authorities on access to information, committee governance and decision-making structures
About the Team:
Led by Partner Claire Ward, former Monitoring Officer of Herefordshire Council and nationally recognised governance specialist. Supported by Sue Bearman (Legal Director and former Monitoring Officer) and Alex Lawrence (Legal Director and Legal 500/Chambers-ranked specialist). Friendly, collaborative and values-driven, with a strong focus on public sector impact.
Key Responsibilities:
- Advising monitoring officers and in-house legal teams on a full range of governance and constitutional matters
- Drafting, reviewing and advising on constitutions, delegations, and governance frameworks
- Advising on standards, member/officer relationships and conduct issues
- Supporting and/or conducting investigations
- Advising on access to information (FOIA/EIR)
- Supporting clients through governance change, including LGR
- Developing business opportunities through training, thought leadership and client engagement
About the candidate:
We are looking for a motivated Governance Lawyer who is committed to working with local authority clients and enjoys tackling complex governance questions.
Experience Required:
- Solid experience in local government governance gained in-house or in private practice
- Advising on constitutions, decision-making structures, delegations and governance frameworks
- Experience handling or supporting investigations, standards issues or conduct matters
- Experience working with public sector clients, ideally local authorities
Technical Skills:
- Strong understanding of local authority powers, functions and governance frameworks
- Ability to draft clear, robust governance documentation
- Confident advising at pace and managing multiple deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
People & Management Skills:
- Able to build strong client relationships and work collaboratively with monitoring officers
- Comfortable managing competing priorities and working independently when required
- A proactive, solution-focused mindset
Qualifications:
- Qualified Solicitor or Barrister (England & Wales)
- Ideally 3+ years PQE, though all levels with strong governance experience will be considered
About the firm:
What's in it for you? Hybrid working. 25 days holiday, 2 gift days at Christmas. The opportunity to give back and have 3 days available for social purpose volunteering. For Birmingham Colleagues, we have a newly refurbished office with an onsite café and free access to an on-site gym. All IT equipment and support for effective home working. An excellent technical training programme and opportunities to grow sector expertise.
Anthony Collins Solicitors is a specialist law firm with a clear purpose - to "improve lives, communities and society". For over 50 years we've been successfully combining market-leading legal expertise with a commitment to excellence and long-term relationships underpinned by a strong set of values.
What makes Anthony Collins Solicitors distinctive, beyond simply being a sector-specialist law firm, is our people and the values we share. We're extremely proud of the calibre of people that we attract; people who are inspired by our values, motivated by our vision and work with our clients to positively influence the society and communities we are building together.
Anthony Collins Solicitors is a committed Equal Opportunities employer promoting equality of opportunity. This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
Associate - LG Governance employer: Anthony Collins Solicitors
Contact Detail:
Anthony Collins Solicitors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate - LG Governance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the local government sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant events or webinars. This is a great way to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise in governance matters. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow firms like Anthony Collins Solicitors on LinkedIn and engage with their posts. It’s a fantastic way to stay updated on job openings and demonstrate your enthusiasm for their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to impactful governance work.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate - LG Governance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in local government governance. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your experience with governance frameworks, investigations, and advising public sector clients. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've tackled complex governance questions.
Be Clear and Concise: Your written application should be easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate strong written communication skills, so let that shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anthony Collins Solicitors
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on local government governance frameworks and constitutional matters. Familiarise yourself with recent cases or changes in legislation that might impact the role. This will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully advised on governance issues or conducted investigations. Be ready to discuss how you managed competing priorities and built strong client relationships, as these are key skills for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the team’s recent projects or challenges they face. This not only demonstrates your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the firm aligns with your values and career goals.
✨Be Yourself
The firm values collaboration and a friendly atmosphere, so let your personality shine through. Share your motivations for wanting to work in local government and how you can contribute to their mission of improving lives and communities.
