At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on governance and public law, ensuring compliance and transparency.
- Company: Join West Lancashire Borough Council, a key player in local governance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence key decisions and contribute to community development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local governance and support ethical decision-making.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in local government and governance matters.
The predicted salary is between 54934 - 56760 £ per year.
Employer: West Lancashire Borough Council
Salary: £54,934 - £56,760 (pay rise pending)
Location: Ormskirk / Hybrid, with travel to other locations required
We are seeking an experienced and strategic legal professional to join our Legal & Democratic Services team, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the Council operates within a strong and effective governance framework. Reporting to the Director of Law & Governance (Monitoring Officer) and working closely with the Deputy Monitoring Officer, you will provide high-quality, proactive and solutions-focused legal advice across a wide range of governance, constitutional and public law matters. This is a key opportunity to work at the centre of decision-making in local government, supporting transparency, accountability and the delivery of corporate priorities.
Please note that this role will involve attending Committee meetings sometimes after working hours, so the ability to commute during the week will be important.
About the Role
- Supporting the Monitoring Officer and Deputy Monitoring Officer in fulfilling their statutory duties, including standards, ethical governance, whistleblowing and information governance
- Providing expert legal advice on constitutional matters, decision-making processes and governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice
- Attending and advising at Council, Committees and senior leadership meetings, shaping key decisions and ensuring robust legal oversight
- Reviewing and advising on committee reports, delegated decisions and governance documentation, ensuring legal accuracy and transparency
- Leading on standards and regulatory complaints, including investigations and outcomes
- Managing a varied caseload covering governance, litigation, housing, licensing and other local authority matters
- Contributing to Local Government Reorganisation, providing strategic legal input on structural and constitutional change
- Supporting the development and maintenance of the Council's Constitution and Schemes of Delegation
- Providing strategic advice on equality duties and ensure compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty in decision-making
- Working closely with senior officers, elected Members and external partners, building trusted and effective working relationships
- Contributing to risk management and provide strategic legal insight across Council services
What You Will Bring
- You will be a confident and experienced legal professional with strong expertise in governance and public law within a local government or similarly complex environment.
- Qualification as a Solicitor or Barrister with substantial post-qualification experience, ideally within local government
- Strong technical knowledge of governance, public law and local authority legislation
- Experience supporting Monitoring Officer functions or working on standards, constitutional or information governance matters
- Proven experience advising senior officers and elected Members on complex and sensitive issues
- Advocacy experience and the ability to manage complex litigation where required
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work under pressure
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility across all levels of the organisation
- A strategic mindset with sound judgement, analytical thinking and attention to detail
- Experience contributing to corporate leadership, policy development and organisational change initiatives
Closing Date: Monday 20 July (Midnight)
Governance Solicitor in Ormskirk employer: North Yorkshire County Council
West Lancashire Borough Council is an exceptional employer that values transparency, accountability, and employee development within a supportive work culture. Located in the picturesque town of Ormskirk, this role offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with local governance while enjoying a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, ongoing professional growth opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community through strategic legal advice and governance oversight.
Contact Details:
North Yorkshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Solicitor in Ormskirk
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We think you need these skills to ace Governance Solicitor in Ormskirk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at North Yorkshire County Council, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in North Yorkshire County Council and the specific role of Governance Solicitor. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for North Yorkshire County Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Yorkshire County Council
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
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As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at North Yorkshire County Council.
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In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at North Yorkshire County Council.
