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- Tasks: Shape public service delivery and manage diverse legal cases in local government.
- Company: Dynamic Council committed to community impact and employee well-being.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and family-friendly perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified legal professional with a passion for public service.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong values and growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 44000 £ per year.
Senior Legal Officer * Permanent * Full time, 37 hours per week * NS12 £41,771 to £44,075 per annum plus a £5,000 market supplement until March 2028 (subject to review) This role may also be offered as a development opportunity for candidates who are fully qualified but have less post-qualification experience. Please see below for details Step into a pivotal legal role where your expertise shapes public service delivery. Are you a skilled legal professional ready to make a real impact in local government? We’re looking for a dynamic Senior Legal Officer to join our Legal Services team—supporting the Principal Legal Officer in delivering high-quality, efficient legal support to the Council and its partners. This is more than just a legal job, it’s a chance to influence decisions, represent the Council at the highest levels, and manage a diverse caseload that keeps you engaged and challenged every day. If you’re the right person with the drive and potential but slightly less experience but qualified, we’d still love to hear from you. We can offer this role as a development opportunity at NS10 grade £36,363 to £39,152, supporting your growth into the full Senior Legal Officer position. What you’ll be doing: Working in the contentious team you will be working across a breadth of areas of Local Government including Housing, Planning, Environmental Health and Public Protection. You can actively contribute to tackling anti social behaviour, reducing crime and improving the lives of those living in the District, whilst developing your skills and knowledge as a lawyer. As member of the contentious team you will be: * Preparing and issuing proceedings in the Courts. * Attending hearings and advocating on behalf of the Council where authorised. * Carrying out work and providing advice in relation to the varied range of Council services. * Researching and advising on legal and quasi-legal matters for the Council and Parish Councils. This really is a role which is rewarding, personally and professionally What you’ll bring: * You’re a Barrister, qualified Solicitor with a current practising certificate, trainee Solicitor about to qualify, or a qualified Legal Executive * Proven experience handling a substantial and complex legal workload across diverse areas * A passion for public service, a sharp legal mind, and the confidence to advise at all levels of governance This is your opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced, high-impact environment where your legal acumen helps shape the future of our community. We’re an ambitious, forward-thinking Council with strong values and a culture of doing our absolute best to serve our customers. We are proud of our organisational culture and receive positive feedback from our employees. We have a programme of internal activity to ensure that the voices of our employees are always heard and that they are kept informed on all Council activity and events. From roadshows to an annual award ceremony, from reviewing working arrangements to our Hug in a Mug initiative, it is incredibly important our employees are shown how valued they are and that they remain the beating heart of our workplace. We offer: * Enrolment in the career average local government pension scheme. * Flexi scheme. * Hybrid working. * A generous annual leave entitlement that increases with service. * Family-friendly benefits. * One days’ paid volunteering leave. * Lifestyle benefits platform. * Funded health cash plan. * Free car parking* * £10 a month gym membership at one of our four gyms in the district. You will be working with a professional, committed and experienced team who are passionate about supporting us to deliver the objectives as outlined in our Community Plan. *Free staff parking is valid until 30 June 2026. As an employer we will promote an inclusive working environment to maintain and develop a forward thinking and diverse workforce. Veterans/family of forces/ex-forces, those in care/care leavers, and candidates who declare disabilities (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) will be guaranteed interviews provided they have demonstrated that they meet the essential criteria of the post as detailed in the Person Specifications on their application forms. Closing Date: Tuesday 28th October 2025 Interview: to be confirmed Senior Legal Officer
Senior Legal Officer employer: Newark & Sherwood District Council
Contact Detail:
Newark & Sherwood District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend local government events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council's recent projects and challenges. Show us that you’re not just a legal whiz but also genuinely interested in making a difference in the community. Tailor your answers to reflect how your skills can help tackle their specific needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your advocacy skills! Whether it’s through mock interviews or speaking at local events, honing your ability to present and argue your points will set you apart. Remember, confidence is key when representing the Council!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Senior Legal Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and the Council's objectives!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for public service shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified, but also genuinely excited about making a difference in the community.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your legal experience and how it relates to the diverse areas of local government we work in. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newark & Sherwood District Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Brush up on the key areas of law relevant to local government, such as Housing, Planning, and Environmental Health. Be prepared to discuss how your legal expertise can directly impact public service delivery.
✨Show Your Passion for Public Service
Demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in the community. Share examples of how you've contributed to public service in the past and how you plan to continue doing so in this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex legal issues. Think about past experiences where you successfully navigated challenging situations and be ready to share those stories.
✨Engage with the Council's Values
Familiarise yourself with the Council's values and culture. During the interview, align your answers with these values to show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation as a whole.