At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on governance and support the Monitoring Officer in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join West Northamptonshire Council, a rapidly growing unitary council focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career development, mentoring, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance law and a passion for delivering excellent legal services.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our benefits include a full list of employee benefits available on our careers site.
About the role: Are you ready to take the next step in your career, in an organisation where you will be supported to excel professionally? If so, join the new Legal Team at West Northants Council, one of the newest and the fourth biggest Unitary Councils in England. We are continuing with the growth of the new team and are seeking a talented Senior Governance Lawyer to sit within the Corporate legal area. If you have experience in Governance, we want to hear from you.
What will you be doing?
- Assisting with Constitution queries.
- Provide support and advice under RIPA.
- Report writing.
- Conducting legal research and briefing Counsel.
- Provide legal advice in relation to member/officer conduct.
- Provide advice on Governance which includes responding to queries, drafting legal commentary and providing expert advice on Governance matters.
- Support the Monitoring Officer and Deputy Monitoring Officer in fulfilling statutory responsibilities.
About you: No two days are the same at West Northants. We deliver legal services across a wide range of council departments giving you exposure to a broad range of legal work. Therefore, if you are looking to further develop your existing local government experience, change sector into local government or return to work after a career break, you won’t find a better place to do so. Whilst local government experience is not essential, a passion for delivering an excellent legal service in a fast-paced environment and a desire to help shape and deliver an exemplar local authority legal service is.
West Northants is a great place to work. With a focus on career development, wellbeing, flexibility and support, this is an opportunity for you to take the next step on your career journey in a supported environment. We have mentoring, coaching, training and many other opportunities available to assist and develop you, to ensure your success in the role and your ongoing progression and success within the Council. We will also consider a variety of flexible working arrangements.
For more information contact Marianne McCarthy (Principal Contracts Lawyer) on 07909 393352 for a confidential discussion.
About us: At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people. Our vision is 'to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive'. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality.
Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services. We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and a Care Leaver Covenant partner.
If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support.
West Northants Council, where careers thrive.
Senior Lawyer (Governance) in Northampton employer: Recruitment Hub
West Northants Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises career development, wellbeing, and flexibility for its employees. As part of a dynamic new Legal Team, you will have the opportunity to engage in diverse legal work while receiving comprehensive support through mentoring, coaching, and training. Our inclusive culture fosters innovation and empowerment, making it a rewarding environment for professionals looking to thrive in local government.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer (Governance) in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at West Northants Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on Governance topics relevant to local councils. We want to see your passion for delivering excellent legal services, so be ready to share your thoughts and ideas!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! Since no two days are the same at West Northants, highlight experiences where you've thrived in dynamic environments. We love candidates who can think on their feet!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at West Northants Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer (Governance) in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in Governance. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for local government shine through! We’re looking for candidates who are excited about delivering excellent legal services, so share why you’re passionate about this field in your application.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers site! 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 Recruitment Hub
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of governance laws and practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific legal frameworks relevant to local government, as well as any recent changes in legislation that may impact the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific governance issues or constitutional queries. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar challenges and be ready to discuss them in detail.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Since the role involves conducting legal research, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to gather and analyse information effectively. You might be asked about a recent case or legal precedent, so having a few examples at your fingertips can really impress.
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork and Mentoring Experience
West Northants Council values collaboration and support within their teams. Be ready to talk about how you've worked with others in a legal context, and any mentoring or coaching experiences you've had that align with their focus on professional development.