At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on governance and public law matters, ensuring compliance and transparency.
- Company: Join a dynamic local government team focused on effective governance and decision-making.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a chance to shape local governance.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with senior officers and elected Members in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government by supporting ethical governance and accountability.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in governance and public law.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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
You will play a central role in maintaining high standards of governance, supporting effective decision-making, and ensuring the Council meets its statutory and ethical obligations. In brief the role will involve:
- 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. You will bring:
- 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
Interview Dates: Thursday 13th and Friday 14th August
Governance Solicitor in Ormskirk employer: West Lancashire Borough Council
As a Governance Solicitor within our Legal & Democratic Services team, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises transparency and accountability in local government. We offer excellent employee growth opportunities through continuous professional development and the chance to influence key decisions at the heart of the Council's operations. Located in a vibrant community, our organisation values work-life balance, providing flexibility for after-hours meetings while ensuring a meaningful impact on governance and public law.
Contact Details:
West Lancashire Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Solicitor in Ormskirk
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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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 West Lancashire Borough 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 West Lancashire Borough 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 West Lancashire Borough Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Lancashire Borough 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.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
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 West Lancashire Borough Council.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
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 West Lancashire Borough Council.
