Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a legal team, providing high-quality legal services to the Council.
- Company: Local Authority in Greater Manchester seeking a dynamic legal professional.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible negotiations based on experience, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with local government experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a collaborative setting.
We are currently working with a Local Authority in Greater Manchester, who are looking for a Head of Legal Services (Deputy Monitoring Officer) to support their team on a 3-6 month locum basis, whilst they are recruiting permanently. They are looking for someone who would be able to attend the office on a weekly basis, and can offer minimum £500 p/day via an Umbrella company, although this can be negotiable based on candidate expectations and experience.
The ideal candidate will have Head of Legal/DMO experience within Local Government, and practice as a qualified legal professional.
Duties will include (but are not limited to):
- Leading, developing and managing a team of professionally qualified and support staff providing high quality legal services to the Council, partners and stakeholders
- Providing and ensuring the provision of sound legal advice, assistance and representation, to Elected Members, Departments of the Council and other partners and stakeholders which will impact on the decisions and initiatives undertaken by them
- Providing advocacy when required
- Overseeing the authority’s constitutional arrangements, decision-making processes, and compliance with statutory duties (including acting as or supporting the Monitoring Officer function)
- Advising on major projects, partnerships, regeneration schemes, procurement, and transformation initiatives, ensuring legal considerations are embedded in strategic planning and delivery
Experience required:
- Experience working at Head of Legal/Legal Manager level within Local Government
- Experience managing a team
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive
Working hours: 37-hours a week Monday - Friday
Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.
Head of Legal Services employer: James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in local government. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what the hiring managers are really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local government law and recent changes in legislation. We want you to be able to showcase your expertise confidently, so practice answering common interview questions related to the role of Head of Legal Services.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We make it easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in local government and legal services. We want to see how your skills match the role of Head of Legal Services, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing candidates who can connect their past experiences with the specific duties mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. We want to know how you've developed and managed teams in the past, so share those success stories!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legal frameworks and regulations relevant to local government. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the duties listed in the job description, especially around providing sound legal advice and managing compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Legal Services, you'll be leading a team. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed a team or project. Highlight your ability to develop staff and ensure high-quality service delivery, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to legal challenges or decision-making processes. Practise articulating your thought process and how you would approach these scenarios, particularly in relation to constitutional arrangements and statutory duties.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the council's current legal challenges or upcoming projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
