At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Corporate & Governance legal team, providing strategic legal advice.
- Company: Join Halton Borough Council and make a difference in local governance.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and bi-weekly payments.
- Other info: 37 hours per week with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape legal services and support impactful decision-making in your community.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with significant post-qualification experience.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Job Purpose
To provide strategic leadership and management of the Corporate & Governance legal function, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, effective, and client-focused legal services across the Council and its wholly owned companies. The postholder will provide expert legal advice to senior officers, elected members, and stakeholders, support corporate governance and decision-making processes, manage legal risk, and contribute to the overall leadership and development of the Legal Services Directorate. The role includes deputising for the Director of Legal and Democratic Services and undertaking Deputy Monitoring Officer responsibilities when required.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Corporate & Governance legal team, ensuring the delivery of efficient, high-quality legal services.
- Deputise for the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, including undertaking Deputy Monitoring Officer duties as required.
- Provide strategic legal advice to senior officers, elected members, committees, and Council-owned companies.
- Oversee the provision of legal support across areas including commercial, environmental, planning, highways, governance, and constitutional matters.
- Draft and review Cabinet, Committee, and governance reports, ensuring legal compliance and effective decision-making.
- Identify, assess, and manage legal risks affecting the Council and its interests.
- Monitor developments in legislation, case law, and regulatory requirements, ensuring stakeholders are appropriately informed.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments, external partners, legal professionals, and key stakeholders.
- Manage budgets, external legal expenditure, and resources to ensure value for money and service efficiency.
- Ensure legal work is delivered to high professional standards and in accordance with regulatory and governance requirements.
- Lead, motivate, coach, and develop team members through performance management and professional development activities.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, accountability, and excellent client service.
- Support directorate-wide initiatives and contribute to the strategic development of Legal Services.
- Ensure compliance with Council policies, procedures, safeguarding responsibilities, and corporate objectives.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the seniority and responsibilities of the role.
Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate where applicable.
- Significant post-qualification experience within Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Planning Law, Highways Law, or a closely related legal discipline.
- Extensive experience providing complex and strategic legal advice within local government, the public sector, or a similarly complex organisation.
- Strong understanding of local authority governance, constitutional law, and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience advising senior leaders, elected members, boards, and external stakeholders.
- Proven experience leading, managing, and developing legal teams while maintaining responsibility for a complex caseload.
- Excellent knowledge of legal risk management and the ability to provide practical, solution-focused advice.
- Strong report writing, drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
- Experience managing budgets and external legal spend effectively.
- Excellent communication, leadership, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience using legal document management and case management systems.
- Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle for business travel.
- Ability to work flexibly, including attendance at meetings outside normal office hours when required.
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and the delivery of excellent public services.
Additional Information
- Hours per Week: 37 Hours
- Location: Halton Borough Council, Hybrid Working
- Bi-Weekly Payments
Head of Legal Services - Corporate & Governance in Halton employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an exceptional employer that prioritises meaningful impact in the community, particularly for children and families. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to drive positive change while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment in Ipswich. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead significant projects that align with national reforms, making a real difference in the lives of those served.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal Services - Corporate & Governance in Halton
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Civic Recruitment Limited does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Civic Recruitment Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal Services - Corporate & Governance in Halton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Civic Recruitment Limited and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Head of Legal Services - Corporate & Governance role at Civic Recruitment Limited. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Civic Recruitment Limited.
