Lawyer in Chesterfield

East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our region through devolution, investment and partnership working. We are seeking talented and motivated lawyers to join our growing in‑house legal services team and provide the legal expertise that enables our ambitions to become reality.

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified legal professional to work on high‑profile projects, support strategic decision‑making and contribute to the delivery of innovative public services across the East Midlands. Working within a fast‑paced and evolving environment, you will provide high‑quality legal advice and support across a diverse portfolio of work while helping to ensure robust governance and legal compliance across the organisation.

About the Role

Reporting to a Principal Lawyer, you will provide flexible day‑to‑day legal support to the wider legal team, the General Counsel, the Director of Law, Governance and Compliance, and client departments across the authority. You will work with internal and external stakeholders to support effective service delivery across one or more legal portfolios.

You will facilitate contract novation, prepare contracts, letters, agreements and reports, advise on governance and compliance matters, support procurement and commercial activities, and contribute to legal frameworks that underpin EMCCA’s operational and strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide timely, practical and high‑quality legal advice across a broad range of matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate contracts, agreements, funding arrangements and other legal documentation.
• Support the delivery of legal services across EMCCA’s commercial and strategic projects.
• Provide legal support to senior officers, boards and committees as required.
• Ensure compliance with governance requirements, procurement regulations, data protection legislation and corporate policies.
• Support the effective operation of legal systems, processes and case management arrangements.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with internal teams, external partners and stakeholders.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, professionalism and excellent public service.

Depending on service priorities and your experience, you may work across one or more of the following areas:

• Commercial, Procurement and Funding: Providing legal advice on procurement, commercial arrangements, subsidy control, grant funding and contractual matters.
• Governance, Strategy and Corporate Matters: Supporting governance frameworks, decision‑making processes, policies, constitutional matters and strategic initiatives.
• Employment, Litigation and Regulatory Matters: Providing advice and support on employment issues, disputes, litigation, regulatory matters and public law issues.
• Property, Planning, Infrastructure and Regeneration: Supporting major transport, infrastructure, planning and regeneration projects, including property and development matters.

About You

We are looking for a legal professional who combines strong technical skills with a collaborative and solution‑focused approach.

You will have:

• Qualification as a solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive entitled to practice law in England and Wales holding a current practising certificate.
• Experience delivering timely, accurate and high‑quality legal advice.
• Experience drafting and reviewing legal documents and agreements.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret legal and policy information and apply it to practical situations.
• Experience working within legal processes, procedures and case management systems.
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to build productive relationships with colleagues, clients and external partners.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and high professional standards.

Understanding that this post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.

We would particularly be interested in candidates with:

• Experience in housing law, transport law or economic development.
• Knowledge of local government law and devolution frameworks.
• Experience supporting commercial projects within the public sector or similarly complex organisations.

Our Values

At EMCCA, our values guide how we work and how we serve our communities.

• Lifting Our Region – We put the long‑term success of the East Midlands at the heart of our decisions.
• Working Together – We build trusted relationships and bring diverse partners together to achieve shared goals.
• Making an Impact – We turn ideas into action and deliver meaningful outcomes for residents, businesses and places.
• Being Human – We value different perspectives, act with authenticity and place people at the centre of everything we do.

Why Join EMCCA?

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a growing organisation at the forefront of regional devolution and public service transformation. You will work on challenging and rewarding legal matters that directly contribute to the prosperity, sustainability and future success of the East Midlands.

You will be supported to continue developing your legal expertise through access to training, continuing professional development and opportunities to broaden your experience across different areas of public sector law. As part of a growing legal team, you will have the opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues, contribute to varied and meaningful work, and develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.