At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Commercial Team, providing expert legal advice and managing complex casework.
- Company: North Northamptonshire Council, committed to diversity and community support.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values continuous improvement and professional excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in local government law.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
North Northamptonshire Council is seeking an experienced Senior Lawyer to join its Commercial Team within the Legal Services function, overseeing both in‑house provision and external legal support. The Senior Lawyer reports to the Principal Lawyer and plays a key role in supporting service delivery and providing professional leadership across the Commercial Team.
What will you be doing?
- Assist in leading and shaping the Commercial Team, setting direction, driving high performance, and ensuring the delivery of timely, solution‑focused legal advice to client services.
- Support the Principal Lawyer, ensuring strong governance, ethical standards, and that all Council decision‑making is lawful and compliant.
- Provide line management of legal officers and legal assistants and oversee line management responsibilities of up to four lawyers.
- Provide expert advice to client services on complex, high‑risk matters.
- Manage legal risk, involving complex casework, litigation and ensuring robust risk identification, mitigation, and communication.
- Play a key role in leadership, development, and management of a high‑performing team, promoting professional excellence, continuous improvement, and a values‑driven culture.
- Budgeting and financial oversight, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.
- Drive service improvement by enhancing systems, processes, and digital capability to deliver modern, effective legal services.
- Advocacy and representation, representing the Council in courts, tribunals, inquiries, mediation and negotiations.
- Prepare pleadings, statements of case, evidence bundles and associated documentation, and provide legal representation at Committees, Sub‑Committees and any other Council Board as required.
Qualifications and experience
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or FCILEx.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Experience in local government or broader public sector, including strong knowledge of local government law, governance, the Constitution and decision‑making processes.
- Experience in a relevant specialist area such as Contracts & Procurement and Property.
- Experience handling complex, sensitive or high‑risk casework.
- Experience advising on governance, statutory obligations and public sector decision making.
- Up‑to‑date knowledge of legislation, case law and regulatory frameworks relevant to council services aligned to the legal team.
- Experience representing clients in courts, tribunals, hearings, committees and similar settings.
Benefits
- Pension scheme with significant contribution and life cover.
- Opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and potential.
- Generous leave entitlement (28 days rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where practicable.
- Employee Assistance Programme, Employee Benefits Scheme, wellbeing support and travel rates at HMRC rates.
- Support for active Employee Network Groups.
Our values and behaviours
- Customer‑focused
- Respectful
- Efficient
- Supportive
- Trustworthy
The council is a Disability Confident Employer and recognises the diverse strengths of the people it employs. The council complies with equal opportunity legislation and encourages applicants with disabilities to apply.
Senior Lawyer - Commercial Team in Corby employer: North Northamptonshire Council
North Northamptonshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises professional development and employee wellbeing. With generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to diversity, the Council fosters a culture of respect and collaboration, making it an ideal place for legal professionals to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
North Northamptonshire Council Recruitment Team
