At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team advising on governance for local authorities and combined authorities.
- Company: Bevan Brittan, a leading commercial law firm with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, professional development, and opportunities for CSR involvement.
- Other info: Supportive environment with excellent career growth and networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in governance while growing your legal career.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE with experience in local authority advisory roles.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Join a team of experts and progressive thinkers
We are a market leading team with dedicated experts (ranked across Chambers and Legal 500) carrying out a wide range of governance work for clients across the central and local government sector including for local authority and combined (strategic) authority clients.
The team works closely with colleagues across the firm, including those in our commercial, employment and pensions, procurement, corporate and property teams.
- Re-organisation: Advice and support to local authorities managing LGR and Devolution.
- Powers/vires: Advising on the powers of authorities to take action including statutory interpretation and advice on powers.
- Decision-making: Advice on lawful decisioning making, powers and functions of statutory officers.
- Corporate advisory services: Advising on the governance of local authority owned corporate structures
- Member and officer conduct: Advising on probity, ethics and promoting high standards of conduct, grievance and disciplinary processes.
- Senior Officer Disciplinary: Working with employment colleagues in relation to senior officer conduct, investigations, settlements.
- Constitutions: Health-checking and drafting of constitutions including for new authorities.
- Inquiries/investigations/complaints: Advising on a range of inquiries from internal investigations to major public inquiries.
- Shared Services: Local authority shared services and public/public collaboration.
- Governance in major projects. Advising on powers /vires; options appraisals and structuring (public-public; shared services; public-private; insourcing; outsourcing)
- Finance and audit: Advice and training to finance teams including advice on section 114 reporting
The role
We are looking for a Solicitor to join our vibrant and growing commercial and public law team within our Commercial and Infrastructure Department to focus on a wide variety of complex governance advisory work.
We have four offices across the UK in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds and London.
We are looking for someone who will work with colleagues across our offices on a remote basis with opportunities to attend office premises on a hybrid basis.
You will have the opportunity to
- Assist the team on the delivery of a range of governance advisory matters to local authority and combined (strategic) authority clients.
- Be a valued member of the team, supported, trained and developed by senior members of the team in a supportive environment.
- Engage regularly with clients, attend client meetings and work closely with other legal, financial and technical advisors.
- Develop your practice and your career, have responsibility appropriate to your knowledge and expertise.
- Develop your business development skills, network with peers across the firm, and in the local government/combined authority market more broadly.
- Join in CSR activities across the firm and pro-bono work
What we’re looking for from you.
You will have
- At least 5 years PQE (ideally including experience as a Monitoring Officer or Deputy Monitoring Officer)
- Experience of advising local authority and combined authority clients
- A passion to learn, enthusiasm and the desire to excel as a lawyer
- Ability to work, or experience of working, in a team and coordinating advice with fee earners across a team
- The ability to deliver clear, precise advice
- Strong technical skills and an ability to understand and work through complex issues
- A demonstrable ability to adopt a practical and commercial approach to legal issues
- Ability to liaise effectively with clients and build relationships, particularly in a political context
- Ability to operate with a high level of self-sufficiency combined with an awareness of own abilities
- A positive and flexible approach
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage time effectively
- Make a Real Impact
Bevan Brittan is a leading commercial law firm. Explore our markets and services here.
We are highly ranked across the legal directories and our 2025/26 financial results confirmed twelve years of consecutive growth.
Our Responsible Business pillars influence how we work together and motivate us to deliver meaningful outcomes for our clients and communities.
We support our people to be their best and, through our hybrid working model, we offer the flexibility to work your week in a way that suits you.
We’re looking for the best people to share in our ambition and success. Visit our Life page to discover what life at Bevan Brittan could look like for you.
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Governance Associate/Senior Associate (5+ PQE) employer: Bevan Brittan LLP
Bevan Brittan is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can thrive as a Senior Associate or Legal Director in the Commercial Property team. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible hybrid working, and opportunities to engage with high-profile clients on significant regeneration projects, you'll find a supportive culture that encourages growth and collaboration. Join us in making a real impact while enjoying the benefits of a leading commercial law firm with a commitment to responsible business practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Associate/Senior Associate (5+ PQE)
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We think you need these skills to ace Governance Associate/Senior Associate (5+ PQE)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Bevan Brittan LLP, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Bevan Brittan LLP and the specific role of Governance Associate/Senior Associate (5+ PQE). Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Bevan Brittan LLP
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
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As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Bevan Brittan LLP.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Bevan Brittan LLP.
