Principal Lawyer Corporate and Governance in Halton

3 - 4 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To provide high-quality legal advice, representation and strategic support across a broad range of local authority matters, ensuring the Council and its wholly owned companies receive effective, solution-focused and legally compliant services.

The postholder will manage complex legal matters, provide expert advice to elected members, senior officers and stakeholders, and contribute to the development of Legal Services. The role includes leadership responsibilities, supporting and developing legal staff, maintaining professional standards and ensuring the delivery of a modern, client-focused legal service that protects the Council's interests and supports corporate priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advice & Case Management

• Provide comprehensive legal advice and representation across a range of local government matters.
  
• Manage a complex caseload, ensuring matters are progressed efficiently and to a high professional standard.
  
• Advise Council departments and wholly owned subsidiary companies on legal risks and solutions.
  
• Draft, review and negotiate complex legal documents, agreements and correspondence.
  
• Provide strategic legal advice to support corporate decision-making.
  
• Deliver value-for-money legal services while maintaining high standards of client care.
  
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and governance requirements.
  
• Undertake advocacy and represent the Council in hearings, tribunals and court proceedings where appropriate.
  

Governance & Committee Support

• Provide legal input into Cabinet, Committee and governance reports.
  
• Attend Council meetings, committees and working groups as required.
  
• Advise elected members and senior officers on legal, constitutional and governance matters.
  
• Support decision-making processes through clear and practical legal guidance.
  

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, manage and motivate members of the Legal Services team.
  
• Support staff development through coaching, mentoring and performance management.
  
• Build a positive team culture focused on collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
  
• Assist in maintaining and developing legal practice standards across the service.
  
• Support workforce planning, succession planning and professional development initiatives.
  

Service Development & Performance

• Monitor team performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
  
• Use data and performance information to drive service developments and efficiencies.
  
• Support the implementation of corporate and directorate objectives.
  
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement and modernisation of Legal Services.
  
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships across Council services.
  

Financial & Resource Management

• Monitor budgets and external legal expenditure.
  
• Ensure effective prioritisation of resources and workloads.
  
• Promote value for money and cost-effective service delivery.
  

Partnership Working

• Build and maintain strong relationships with:
  • Elected Members
    
  • Senior Officers
    
  • External Lawyers
    
  • Partner Organisations
    
  • Regulatory Bodies
    
  • Stakeholders
    
• Work collaboratively across service areas to support Council priorities and objectives.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive.
  
• Minimum 3 years' post-qualification experience.
  
• Significant experience providing legal advice within a complex organisation.
  
• Experience managing a varied legal caseload.
  
• Strong legal drafting, negotiation and advocacy skills.
  
• Experience advising senior managers, elected members and stakeholders.
  
• Experience preparing legal reports, committee reports and governance documentation.
  
• Demonstrable experience leading, managing or supervising staff.
  
• Strong understanding of local government governance and decision-making processes.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Strong stakeholder relationship management skills.
  
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office and case management systems.
  
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.
  

Desirable

• Local Government legal experience.
  
• Experience advising wholly owned companies or arm's length organisations.
  
• Experience managing legal budgets and external legal providers.
  
• Experience contributing to service improvement and transformation initiatives.
  
• Advocacy experience in contested hearings.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Halton
  
• Hours Per Week: 37 Hours
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments