At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage legal services in commercial law for the Council.
- Company: Kent County Council, committed to effective legal service delivery.
- Benefits: Hybrid working options and competitive bi-weekly pay.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local governance and legal innovation.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with 10+ years of experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Job Purpose
To lead and manage all commercial-related legal commissioning and advisory activity across the Council, ensuring the effective delivery of legal services within key specialisms including Commercial, Contracts, Procurement, Companies, and Local Government. The role also provides expert governance advice, oversees document execution processes, and supports the strategic development of legal commissioning across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the lead contact for commissioning legal advice across commercial and related legal specialisms.
- Scope, procure, and manage external legal services, including selecting providers, monitoring performance, and controlling costs.
- Provide expert advice on governance matters, including sealing and execution of Council documents.
- Lead and manage the Commercial Legal Commissioning Team, including performance, development, and HR responsibilities.
- Support the development and implementation of legal commissioning strategies across the Council.
- Monitor and evaluate commissioned legal work, ensuring value for money and effective outcomes.
- Build strong working relationships across the Council, advising Members, officers, and stakeholders.
- Act as a subject matter expert, providing guidance on complex legal and commercial matters.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement in legal service delivery, including use of new technologies and commissioning approaches.
- Contribute to organisational strategy, risk management, and service transformation initiatives.
- Represent Legal Services at internal and external meetings and deputise for senior leadership where required.
Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Lawyer with a current practising certificate.
- Significant post-qualification experience (10+ years PQE), particularly in commercial, procurement, and corporate law.
- Experience of commissioning and managing external legal services, ideally within a local authority or public sector setting.
- Proven experience managing and developing teams.
- Strong understanding of governance, legal risk, and public sector legal frameworks.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Strong analytical, research, and drafting skills.
- Proficiency in IT systems including Microsoft Office and legal case management systems.
Additional Information
Location: Kent County Council (hybrid working may be available)
Payment Frequency: Bi-weekly
Barrister/Solicitor in Maidstone employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Civic Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Barrister/Solicitor in Maidstone
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend local events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in commercial and procurement law. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed legal services or led teams, as this will demonstrate your value.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Research the local authority’s recent projects and challenges in legal commissioning. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us not only streamlines the process but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by hiring managers who are looking for top talent like you.
We think you need these skills to ace Barrister/Solicitor in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in commercial, procurement, and corporate law. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a team, don’t forget to emphasise your experience in leading and developing teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or improved processes in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Governance Expertise: Given the importance of governance in this position, be sure to detail your knowledge and experience in legal risk and public sector frameworks. We’re looking for someone who can provide expert advice, so make that clear!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial, procurement, and corporate law. Be ready to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've applied this knowledge, especially in a local authority context. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves managing a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led and developed teams in the past. Highlight any strategies you've used to motivate your team and improve performance, as well as how you handle challenges within a team setting.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management
This position requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Think of instances where you've built relationships with stakeholders or advised them on complex legal matters. Be ready to explain how you navigated any challenges and what the outcomes were.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Prepare by thinking through potential legal issues that could arise in a local authority setting and how you would approach them. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to think on your feet.