At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice and support on governance matters within a dynamic council environment.
- Company: Join West Northants Council, a forward-thinking local authority focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working, career development opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Mentoring and training available to help you grow professionally.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local governance while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance law and a passion for excellent legal service.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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 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.
Responsibilities
- Assisting with Constitution queries.
- Providing support and advice under RIPA.
- Report writing.
- Conducting legal research and briefing Counsel.
- Providing legal advice in relation to member/officer conduct.
- Providing advice on Governance which includes responding to queries, drafting legal comment and providing expert advice on Governance matters.
- Supporting the Monitoring Officer and Deputy Monitoring Officer in fulfilling statutory responsibilities.
About You
Whether you have local government experience or not, we value 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. This role offers exposure to a broad range of legal work across council departments. A flexible working arrangement may be considered. We have mentoring, coaching, training and many other opportunities to help you develop and progress within the Council.
Why West Northants Council?
We focus on career development, wellbeing, flexibility and support. Our culture encourages ambition, new ideas, better ways of working and a supportive environment. Our vision is to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower. We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity and inclusion, and are a disability confident employer.
For more information, contact Marianne McCarthy (Principal Contracts Lawyer) on 07909 393352 for a confidential discussion. If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email for support.
Senior Governance Lawyer — Local Authority Impact in Northampton employer: West Northants Council
West Northants Council is an excellent employer that prioritises career development and employee wellbeing, offering a supportive work culture where ambition and innovation are encouraged. As part of the new Legal Team, you will have the opportunity to engage in diverse legal work while benefiting from flexible working arrangements and comprehensive training programmes designed to foster professional growth. Join us in our mission to make West Northants a thriving community, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Governance Lawyer — Local Authority Impact in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those connected to local authorities. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the culture at West Northants Council.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of governance issues and local authority law. Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description, and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for delivering excellent legal services! During interviews, express your enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced environment and how you can contribute to shaping an exemplar local authority legal service.
✨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, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the council's values there.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Governance Lawyer — Local Authority Impact in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Governance. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion:Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity at West Northants Council. We love candidates who are genuinely enthusiastic about delivering excellent legal services and making a positive impact in the community.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Northants Council
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of governance, especially in a local authority context. Familiarise yourself with the Constitution queries and RIPA regulations, as these are likely to come up during your interview. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Legal Research Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with legal research and report writing. Bring examples of past work where you've conducted legal research or drafted reports. This will demonstrate your ability to provide sound legal advice and support the Monitoring Officer effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Team Spirit
West Northants Council values collaboration, so be ready to talk about how you work within a team. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues in fulfilling their responsibilities, particularly in a fast-paced environment. Highlighting your teamwork skills will align with their corporate values.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the council's approach to career development and how they support their legal team. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.
