At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic legal service, driving innovative improvements.
- Company: Lancashire County Council, committed to excellence in public service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of legal services and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior management experience in legal services within public sector.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 77800 - 85119 £ per year.
Location: County Hall, Preston (Hybrid Working)
Salary Range: £77,833 – £85,119 (Higher salary requirements will be considered for exceptional applicants. Please specify your salary requirements on your CV)
Are you ready to lead and inspire a dynamic legal service? As the Head of Legal, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our council’s legal services. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide strategic leadership and drive innovative service improvements across legal services, including commercial, procurement, property, social care, education, employment, litigation, highways, environment, planning, and child protection.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership of the council’s Legal Service ensuring delivery of council priorities and statutory duties.
- Provide strategic legal and governance advice to elected members, the Chief Executive, and senior leaders.
- Design and deliver the Legal Services business plan to drive service improvements whilst ensuring budget and resources for the service deliver savings and efficiencies.
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes a culture of professional development, knowledge sharing, and open, honest, and transparent communication.
- Act as the Deputy Monitoring Officer in relation to monitoring officer responsibilities relating to law and governance matters.
What we are looking for
- Strategic Leadership – You’ll have substantial senior management experience in a legal services role within a local authority or similar public sector environment.
- Service Excellence – You’ll have a proven track record of delivering high-quality legal services, managing complex budgets and leading high performing teams.
- Stakeholder Engagement – You’ll have significant experience of working with senior stakeholders, evidencing your ability to build credibility with senior managers, elected members, and external partners.
Please include a personal statement which evidences your ability to deliver what we are looking for. If you would like a confidential conversation with the Director of Law and Governance, please contact Samantha Mason at Samantha.Mason@lancashire.gov.uk to arrange this.
Closing date: 11th February 2026
Interviews: TBC
In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
Head of Legal Services in Preston employer: North West Legal Consortium
Contact Detail:
North West Legal Consortium Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal Services in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council's recent legal initiatives. Show us you’re not just a candidate but someone who’s genuinely interested in shaping their legal services. Bring ideas to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! As a Head of Legal, you’ll need to inspire confidence. Think about how you can demonstrate your strategic vision and past successes in leading teams and managing complex legal issues.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal Services in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Legal Services role. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and any relevant legal expertise that aligns with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your ability to deliver high-quality legal services and your experience in managing complex budgets. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Be Clear About Salary Expectations: Don’t forget to specify your salary requirements on your CV, especially if you have higher expectations. This helps us understand your needs right from the start, so be upfront about what you’re looking for!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at North West Legal Consortium
✨Know Your Legal Landscape
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current legal frameworks relevant to local authorities. Brush up on recent case law and statutory duties that affect the council’s operations. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to staying informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your approach to strategic leadership and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve fostered collaboration and professional development within your team, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience working with senior stakeholders. Highlight instances where you’ve built credibility and trust with elected members and external partners. This will illustrate your ability to navigate complex relationships effectively.
✨Craft a Compelling Personal Statement
Your personal statement should clearly reflect how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements. Use it as an opportunity to tell your story and showcase your passion for delivering high-quality legal services. Make it personal and impactful!
