Qualified Lawyer

The Local Government Association (LGA) is the national membership body for local authorities. We work on behalf of our member councils to support, promote and improve local government. We are a politically led, cross‑party organisation that works on behalf of councils to ensure local government has a strong, credible voice with national government. We influence and set the political agenda on the issues that matter to councils to help them deliver local solutions to national problems. We also provide councils with the tools and resources to respond to present and emerging challenges and support improvement across the sector. We value diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community to this high‑profile role.

About the role

We are looking for a qualified lawyer to join our Legal Team and provide practical, high‑quality legal advice and support across a broad range of local government, governance, public law and in‑house legal matters. The successful candidate will also support the team's work on statutory public inquiries and related projects. The position is required to support immediate delivery needs. The organisation is consulting on its operating model. The grade and responsibilities are subject to confirmation. Priority consideration may be given to employees at risk where they have the required qualifications and experience.

Work Description

The work is varied and interesting, covering local government law, governance, public and administrative law, commercial contracts, procurement, grant funding, company law and statutory public inquiries. An important part of the role will be supporting the Legal Team's work on current statutory public inquiries, alongside providing legal advice on a range of wider in‑house and local government matters.

About you

You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with at least three years' post‑qualification experience gained in local government, the wider public sector, private practice or an in‑house legal environment. Experience of public inquiries is desirable but not essential. Candidates with experience of litigation, public law, governance, regulatory work or investigations are encouraged to apply. You must have the right to work in the UK. The LGA is unfortunately unable to offer visa sponsorship. Evidence of the right to work in the UK will be requested at the interview stage.

• Experience of advising on legal matters within local government, the public sector, private practice or an in‑house legal environment.
• Experience supporting litigation, public law matters, public inquiries, governance work or other complex legal matters.
• Demonstrable experience of providing high‑quality legal services that are responsive to the needs of clients.
• Ability to analyse legal issues, exercise sound judgement and provide practical, proportionate legal advice.
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills, with attention to detail and the ability to present complex ideas in plain English.
• Ability to analyse legal information, identify key issues and communicate advice clearly and effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively and develop effective multi‑disciplinary teamwork and commitment to projects.
• Able to work under pressure and to multi‑task, prioritising work against often competing and challenging demands to meet deadlines.
• Have excellent IT skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Outlook, and the internet, with the ability to quickly learn new packages as required.

Our benefits

LGA annual leave entitlement is 29 days, rising to 31 days after three years’ service and to 33 days after five years’ service, plus all UK public holidays (pro rata for fixed‑term and part‑time contracts). Flexible & agile working – office‑based staff are required to work in the LGA’s London office two days per week as a minimum, subject to business need and this may vary significantly between different roles and from week to week. Future development – face‑to‑face and virtual courses are scheduled in line with developmental goals. The LGA offers 24/7 access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme managed by Health Assured. Family‑friendly policies.

Our values & behaviours

Our Values and Behaviours are there to give us an understanding of who we are as an organisation and who we want to be. They are a framework to help us understand:

• how we work with each other
• how we work with our members and stakeholders
• our expectations for ourselves and each other

Collaboration – We value collaboration, pursuing shared goals by encouraging and utilising diverse perspectives and working with internal and external colleagues across the organisation.

Inclusion – We value inclusion, where everyone feels valued, understood, and supported to contribute meaningfully.

Ambition – We value ambition, reflecting our desire to achieve the best possible outcomes for local government, communities and individuals.

Respect – We value respect, ensuring fairness, recognition and shared accountability.