Job Purpose
To provide timely, accurate, and effective legal advice, representation, and support to the County Council, enabling it to discharge its functions lawfully and effectively. The role involves managing a varied and complex caseload, providing specialist legal expertise across a range of legal disciplines, undertaking advocacy where required, and supporting the delivery of a high-quality legal service in accordance with professional and Lexcel standards.
- Provide expert legal advice and guidance to the County Council, elected members, officers, and committees.
- Manage a full and complex caseload with minimal supervision, delivering practical and innovative legal solutions.
- Represent the Council in legal proceedings, hearings, tribunals, inquiries, and advocacy matters as required.
- Support the Monitoring Officer in identifying and addressing issues of legality or procedural compliance.
- Draft, review, and negotiate legal documentation, agreements, reports, and other legal correspondence.
- Analyse complex legal issues, interpret legislation, and provide clear recommendations to support decision-making.
- Contribute to the development of a flexible and multidisciplinary legal service by broadening expertise across different areas of law.
- Maintain accurate case records using electronic case management systems and operate effectively within a paper-light environment.
- Support the management and development of legal teams, including supervising and mentoring colleagues where required.
- Assist with budget management and demonstrate awareness of legal expenditure, including the commissioning of external legal advice and representation.
- Deliver training and legal updates to Council officers, members, and partner organisations.
- Lead or contribute to service improvement initiatives, projects, and reviews to enhance service delivery.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Promote and uphold the Council’s values, policies, and professional standards, including equality, diversity, health and safety, and governance requirements.
Qualifications
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practise in England and Wales.
- Current practising certificate issued by the relevant regulatory authority or eligibility to obtain one.
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification, or significant relevant vocational experience.
Knowledge & Experience
- Extensive knowledge of legal principles, practices, procedures, and relevant legislation.
- Experience managing a varied and complex legal caseload.
- Experience providing legal advice to senior stakeholders, committees, or public sector organisations.
- Experience of advocacy or a demonstrated aptitude and willingness to undertake advocacy.
- Experience supporting or managing legal teams and developing colleagues.
- Understanding of local government law and public sector governance (desirable).
- Experience working within a Lexcel-accredited or quality-assured legal environment (desirable).
Skills & Abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to analyse complex legal issues and provide practical, solution-focused advice.
- Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to develop innovative solutions.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to lead projects, reviews, and service improvement initiatives.
- Strong IT skills and experience using electronic case management systems.
- Ability to work collaboratively while exercising professional judgement and autonomy.
- Location: Flexible and hybrid working environment, including remote working and office attendance as required.
- Hours per Week: As per Council contract.
- Pay: Bi-weekly.
