3 Month Contract With A local Authority
Job Purpose
To provide timely, accurate, and effective legal advice, representation, and support to the County Council, enabling it to discharge its functions lawfully and effectively. The role involves managing a varied and complex caseload, providing specialist legal expertise across a range of legal disciplines, undertaking advocacy where required, and supporting the delivery of a high-quality legal service in accordance with professional and Lexcel standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert legal advice and guidance to the County Council, elected members, officers, and committees.
- Manage a full and complex caseload with minimal supervision, delivering practical and innovative legal solutions.
- Represent the Council in legal proceedings, hearings, tribunals, inquiries, and advocacy matters as required.
- Support the Monitoring Officer in identifying and addressing issues of legality or procedural compliance.
- Draft, review, and negotiate legal documentation, agreements, reports, and other legal correspondence.
- Analyse complex legal issues, interpret legislation, and provide clear recommendations to support decision-making.
- Contribute to the development of a flexible and multidisciplinary legal service by broadening expertise across different areas of law.
- Maintain accurate case records using electronic case management systems and operate effectively within a paper-light environment.
- Support the management and development of legal teams, including supervising and mentoring colleagues where required.
- Assist with budget management and demonstrate awareness of legal expenditure, including the commissioning of external legal advice and representation.
- Deliver training and legal updates to Council officers, members, and partner organisations.
- Lead or contribute to service improvement initiatives, projects, and reviews to enhance service delivery.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Promote and uphold the Councilâ s values, policies, and professional standards, including equality, diversity, health and safety, and governance requirements.
Requirements
Qualifications
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practise in England and Wales.
- Current practising certificate issued by the relevant regulatory authority or eligibility to obtain one.
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification, or significant relevant vocational experience.
Knowledge & Experience
- Extensive knowledge of legal principles, practices, procedures, and relevant legislation.
- Experience managing a varied and complex legal caseload.
- Experience providing legal advice to senior stakeholders, committees, or public sector organisations.
- Experience of advocacy or a demonstrated aptitude and willingness to undertake advocacy.
- Experience supporting or managing legal teams and developing colleagues.
- Understanding of local government law and public sector governance (desirable).
- Experience working within a Lexcel-accredited or quality-assured legal environment (desirable).
Skills & Abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to analyse complex legal issues and provide practical, solution-focused advice.
- Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to develop innovative solutions.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to lead projects, reviews, and service improvement initiatives.
- Strong IT skills and experience using electronic case management systems.
- Ability to work collaboratively while exercising professional judgement and autonomy.
Additional Information
- Location: Flexible and hybrid working environment, including remote working and office attendance as required.
- Hours per Week: As per Council contract.
- Pay: Bi-weekly.
