At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage legal teams, providing expert advice on diverse projects.
- Company: Join a vibrant legal team serving Hertfordshire County Council and beyond.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in local governance.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with significant experience in legal specialisms.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process welcoming candidates from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
Salary: £81,803 - £90,664 per annum
Location: Hertfordshire
Working: Hybrid working
Contract: Permanent
Full time/Part time: Full time
About the Role:
Sellick Partnership is proud to be working exclusively with an exceptional legal services team in the heart of Hertfordshire. We are seeking an experienced and versatile leader for the role of Assistant Chief Legal Officer with overall responsibility for a range of legal specialisms with Hertfordshire County Council.
Hertfordshire Legal is a large, innovative, and vibrant legal team providing high-quality legal services to Hertfordshire County Council and a variety of other organisations including Stevenage Borough Council in which they operate a shared legal service.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead at least two teams of specialists within a large and well-supported legal team providing legal advice and support on a wide range of interesting projects.
- Day-to-day management responsibility for leading and shaping the development of specialist legal teams of up to 30 qualified staff.
- Line-manage the senior lawyers and work with them to enable them to achieve their best.
- Contribute to the overall strategic management and development of a large and well-supported local authority legal team.
- Liaise with client officers from HCC and SBC and others including senior Councillors to ensure that they and their local authority receive the best advice for their situation.
- Be the lead lawyer in at least one of the specialist areas and steer high-profile matters involving the County Council ensuring that the Director of Law & Governance, Chief Executive, and Councillors are kept informed.
- Promote Legal Services on corporate Boards and Groups or as directed by the Director of Law & Governance.
- Contribute to the maintenance of Legal Services' Lexcel accreditation.
- Be the client relationship manager with client organisations, negotiating and agreeing on appropriate levels of legal support for each.
Ideal Requirements:
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with significant post qualification experience and specialist knowledge/experience in at least one of the listed specialisms.
- Experience in providing and promoting solutions to significant proposals and projects and providing high levels professional advice on a range of complex matters.
- Senior legal experience within a large organisation.
- Knowledge of how local authorities organise and deliver services.
- Experience in managing and motivating staff.
- Sustained record of continued professional development.
We are seeking candidates with recognised expertise in any one or more of the following:
- Property Law
- Housing Law
- Highways Law
- Commercial & Procurement Law
- Planning & Environment Law
How to Apply:
We encourage interested applicants to apply immediately to be considered for shortlisting. Alternatively, should you require further information or wish to discuss your suitability before applying please contact Lewis Dainty in our Manchester office for a confidential discussion.
Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Assistant Chief Legal Officer employer: Sellick Partnership (Legal) Limited
Contact Detail:
Sellick Partnership (Legal) Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Chief Legal Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those who have experience in local government. Attend relevant legal seminars or workshops in Hertfordshire to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges faced by local authorities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Hertfordshire County Council's recent legal projects and initiatives. Understanding their current legal landscape will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate teams, as this role involves managing multiple specialist teams. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team through complex legal matters.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific legal specialisms mentioned in the job description, such as Property Law and Housing Law. Being able to speak confidently about these areas will set you apart and show that you're well-prepared for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Chief Legal Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive. Emphasise your post-qualification experience and any specialist knowledge in Property Law, Housing Law, Highways Law, Commercial & Procurement Law, or Planning & Environment Law.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your leadership experience and ability to manage and motivate teams. Discuss specific examples of how you've provided high-level professional advice on complex matters and contributed to strategic management in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, clearly outline your senior legal experience within large organisations and your understanding of how local authorities operate. Mention any relevant projects where you have successfully negotiated legal support or managed client relationships.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon, making it easy for the hiring team to understand your qualifications and suitability for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership (Legal) Limited
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Chief Legal Officer, you'll be leading teams of specialists. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed and motivated staff in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Legal Expertise
Make sure to highlight your qualifications and experience in the relevant legal specialisms such as Property Law or Housing Law. Prepare to discuss specific cases or projects where you provided high-level professional advice.
✨Understand Local Authority Operations
Familiarise yourself with how local authorities operate and deliver services. Be ready to discuss how your knowledge can contribute to the strategic management of the legal team and the wider organisation.
✨Prepare for Client Relationship Management
Since you'll be liaising with client officers and negotiating legal support levels, think about your approach to client relationship management. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained client relationships in previous roles.