At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic legal team, managing complex legal matters across various public sector functions.
- Company: Join one of the largest in-house local authority legal teams in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to make a real impact in the public sector.
- Other info: Engage with senior officers and external partners in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Shape legal strategies and influence key decisions in a high-profile role.
- Qualifications: Experience in local authority legal environments and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Your new company
You will be joining one of the largest in-house local authority legal teams in the UK, providing high-quality legal services across multiple local authorities and combined authorities, supporting a wide range of public sector functions. This opportunity sits within a significant and wide-ranging legal division covering key service areas across people, place and regulatory matters. The division brings together five specialist teams: Adults Social Care and Education, Employment and General Law, Housing, Litigation, and Regulatory & Licensing.
Your new role
As Interim Head of Legal, you will provide strategic leadership across the group, reporting directly to the Assistant Director. You will also deputise as required at a senior level, representing Legal Services internally and externally. You will lead and oversee a broad portfolio of complex legal work, ensuring high-quality delivery across multiple disciplines. The role requires strong corporate leadership, effective stakeholder management, and the ability to manage competing priorities and projects simultaneously. This is a highly visible position where you will engage with senior officers, elected members, and external partners, often dealing with sensitive and high-profile matters.
What you'll need to succeed
- Proven experience operating at a senior level within a local authority legal environment
- Strong collaborative and corporate leadership skills
- Significant experience handling complex legal matters across one or more areas of people, place and regulation
- Qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with relevant litigation rights
In addition, you will bring:
- High levels of political awareness and the ability to influence at senior levels
- Excellent communication skills and a solution-focused, innovative approach
- Experience managing multiple projects to tight deadlines and budgets while maintaining exceptional quality standards
- A track record of building and maintaining effective client relationships, often involving sensitive issues
- Experience leading multidisciplinary legal teams within a large and complex organisation
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
Interim Head of Legal (4-6 Months) employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Joining one of the largest in-house local authority legal teams in the UK offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts public services. The organisation fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a diverse legal division. With a focus on high-quality service delivery and strategic leadership, this role allows you to make a significant difference while working alongside dedicated professionals in a dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Legal (4-6 Months)
✨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 Hays Specialist 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 Hays Specialist 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Legal (4-6 Months)
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 Hays Specialist 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 Hays Specialist 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 Interim Head of Legal (4-6 Months) role at Hays Specialist 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited.
