At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on governance and constitutional matters for a local authority.
- Company: Join a dynamic local authority committed to good governance and legal excellence.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and collaboration with senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Shape local governance while developing your legal expertise in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or equivalent with experience in local government law.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
- 3 Month Contract With A local Authority
- Job Purpose
The Senior Solicitor (Governance) will provide expert legal advice and guidance on governance, constitutional, and local government law matters.
Supporting the Monitoring Officer, Deputy Monitoring Officer, and senior colleagues, the role will ensure lawful decision-making, promote good governance, and provide specialist legal support to Council committees, Democratic Services, and maintained schools.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide specialist legal advice to the Monitoring Officer, Deputy Monitoring Officer, and Council officers on governance and constitutional matters.
- Advise Full Council, committees, and elected Members to ensure lawful decision-making and compliance with statutory requirements.
- Support the handling and investigation of Member Code of Conduct complaints and provide legal advice relating to the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Panel.
- Provide management oversight of legal advice delivered to maintained schools and support the provision of ad hoc education law advice.
- Deliver governance and constitutional advice to the Corporate and Environmental Law team and Democratic Services.
- Interpret and apply relevant legislation, case law, and local government regulations to provide practical legal solutions.
- Prepare and review legal documentation, reports, and governance-related advice for senior stakeholders.
- Build effective working relationships with Members, senior officers, and external partners to support the delivery of high-quality legal services.
- Ensure legal advice reflects current legislation, best practice, and the Council's governance framework.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal services and governance processes.
Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate (or equivalent eligibility to practise).
- Significant experience providing governance and constitutional law advice within a local government environment.
- Strong knowledge of local government law, committee procedures, and governance frameworks.
- Experience advising senior officers, elected Members, committees, and Full Council.
- Experience handling Member Code of Conduct matters and governance-related legal issues.
- Experience overseeing legal advice provided to maintained schools is desirable.
- Excellent legal drafting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to provide clear, practical legal advice.
- Ability to manage a varied caseload and work effectively under pressure.
- Additional Information
Location
Nottinghamshire - Hybrid working (Council offices as required).
Hours
37 hours per week.
Payment
Bi-weekly.
Senior Solicitor (Governance) in Nottingham employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership in the Special Educational Needs service can truly make a difference in children's lives. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful outcomes in the Bromley community. The supportive culture and commitment to high-quality services make this an attractive opportunity for those looking to lead impactful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Solicitor (Governance) in Nottingham
✨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 Senior Solicitor (Governance) in Nottingham
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 Senior Solicitor (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.
