At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team providing top-notch legal advice on highways and environment matters.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a diverse organisation dedicated to excellence and community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, healthcare plans, and discounts at local businesses.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment focused on professional growth and resilience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major infrastructure projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with 5+ years' experience in public sector law.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
In addition, as part of the ELS leadership team, the role has a strong voice in the running of the service and plays a key role in maintaining our Lexcel accreditation.
We're looking for someone with excellent technical legal skills and relevant experience who can quickly pick things up and manage a team of specialists within the highways and environment area.
They will need to be able to operate effectively in a complex politically-led organisation.
Their influencing skills will be critical in order to articulate options and risks when advising Senior Leaders and Councillors.
- Accountabilities
- Lead, manage and motivate a team of lawyers, paralegals and caseworkers to provide exemplary legal advice to internal stakeholders within ECC and external customers.
- Accountable for the provision of high quality advice and interpretation to clients to underpin and inform decision making.
- Accountable for providing legal services to support different functions within the Council, in order to, protect and mitigate potential legal risks for ECC.
- Responsible for contributing to business development targets across the team.
- Develop and maximise opportunities to attract external legal work across the breadth of different sectors with whom ECC collaborates in support of ECC strategic aims and objectives to build new revenue streams.
- Accountable for ensuring professional conduct and governance across the Council to meet Corporate and Statutory responsibilities and requirements.
- Accountable for driving compliance with the Lexcel standard and preparing the service for renewal of its Lexcel accreditation.
- Work collaboratively with stakeholders and partners to ensure solutions are robust, providing direction and guidance to achieve positive outcomes.
- Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
Qualified solicitor or barrister or legal executive with full practising certificate and at least 5 years' post qualification experience.
- Expert knowledge and experience in highways and environment law, with a local government focus e. g. highways and traffic, NSIPs, planning, compulsory purchase, s278 and 106 agreements.
- Experience of working with senior personnel and Directors and other key stakeholders
- Knowledge and understanding of providing legal advice in a public sector setting
- Experience of leading a team of qualified professionals
- Persuasion and influencing skills
- Evidence of creativity in exploring business opportunities We are looking for a new leader for our Highways and Environment Team.
We're working on a large volume of interesting and complex highways schemes that see over £0.5bn invested in our transport infrastructure.
That's on top of the work generated by 5,000 miles of highways in one of the largest counties in England serving a population of 1.5m in cities, towns and a rural area.
This is a brilliant opportunity for the right person to build and develop the team.
Essex County Council (ECC) is a diverse and large organisation that strives for excellence and delivers an outstanding service for residents across Essex.
The in-house legal service, ELS, prides itself on providing a comprehensive legal service to the Council - most of our work is done in-house.
We pride ourselves on valuing the people who work for us and providing a supportive working environment, where people work hard to do their best for Essex.
The work can be demanding and we expect resilience but our senior leaders are committed to ensuring that ELS is a place where people want to stay.
This post is a strategic leader in the legal service focused on managing a team of legal professionals.
What's in it for you?
You'll also have access to the , a unique platform for Essex County Council employees to take advantage of including:
- Healthcare and Dental Plans at corporate rates
- Discounts and benefits at many local and national outlets including supermarkets, shopping, restaurants, technology purchases and holidays
- Discounts across Essex County Council's businesses, including Country Park Membership, ACL and more
- Generous holiday and special leave allowances (including the option to purchase extra holiday)
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Life Assurance of three times annual salary
- Employee wellbeing and counselling
- Travel discounts & season ticket loans
- Learning and Development opportunities/coaching & mentoring
- Payment of professional fees for approved professions
- Eye care vouchers
- Lease car scheme (dependent on business needs).
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Legal Services Manager (Highways and Environment) employer: ELS, Inc.
Essex County Council (ECC) is an exceptional employer that values strategic leadership and professional development within its Highways & Environment Legal Services team. With a commitment to delivering high-quality legal advice, ECC fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth, providing employees with unique opportunities to influence public policy and make a meaningful impact in the community. Located in a vibrant area, ECC offers a supportive environment where your expertise in highways and environment law can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Services Manager (Highways and Environment)
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including ELS, Inc., will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Services Manager (Highways and Environment)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at ELS, Inc., make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in ELS, Inc. and the specific role of Legal Services Manager (Highways and Environment). Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for ELS, Inc.’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at ELS, Inc.
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at ELS, Inc..
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at ELS, Inc..
