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- Tasks: Support local authorities on governance matters and tackle complex legal questions.
- Company: Join a leading law firm dedicated to improving lives and communities.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and opportunities for social purpose volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public sector governance while growing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: 3+ years PQE in governance law, strong communication skills, and a proactive mindset.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with excellent career development 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, advising monitoring officers and in-house legal teams on a full range of governance and constitutional matters.
Responsibilities include:
- 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
We are looking for a motivated Governance Lawyer who is committed to working with local authority clients and enjoys tackling complex governance questions. 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
Qualified Solicitor or Barrister (England & Wales). Ideally 3+ years PQE, though all levels with strong governance experience will be considered.
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 have 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 are 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 in Birmingham 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 in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the local government sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with governance frameworks and investigations. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex issues in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that interests you, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on common interview questions related to local authority governance and think about how you’d respond. Practising with a friend can help you feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate – LG Governance in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Governance Lawyer role. Highlight your experience with local authorities and governance matters, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your strong written communication skills in action! Use clear and concise language in your application, and don’t forget to mention any relevant technical skills or experiences that align with the job description.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We value a friendly and collaborative approach, so don’t hesitate to share why you're passionate about working in local government and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role in a timely manner.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anthony Collins Solicitors
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on local authority powers, functions, and governance frameworks. Familiarise yourself with recent cases or changes in legislation that might impact the role. This will show your potential employer that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in handling governance issues, investigations, or advising on constitutions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
Since this role involves building strong client relationships, be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with clients or colleagues in the past. Highlight any experiences where you managed competing priorities or worked independently to achieve a goal.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, their recent projects, or the firm's approach to governance challenges. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
