Job Purpose
The Senior Lawyer provides expert legal advice, representation, and support across a broad range of legal matters to ensure the Council operates lawfully, effectively, and in line with its statutory obligations. The role manages a complex caseload, supports the leadership and development of Legal Services, supervises junior colleagues, and contributes to reducing reliance on external legal providers. The post holder will also undertake advocacy where required and play a key role in supporting the Monitoring Officer, developing legal policy, and delivering training across the Council.
- Manage a varied and complex legal caseload with minimal supervision, providing high-quality legal advice and representation.
- Provide expert legal guidance to the Council, elected members, officers, and committees across a range of legal matters.
- Undertake advocacy and represent the Council in hearings, tribunals, and court proceedings where required.
- Assist in the management, supervision, and development of lawyers and other members of the Legal Services team.
- Support the delivery of an efficient, flexible, and customer-focused legal service while reducing reliance on external legal support.
- Contribute to the strategic management and continuous improvement of Legal Services, identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery.
- Support the Monitoring Officer by advising on matters relating to legality, governance, and procedural compliance.
- Develop and deliver legal training and guidance to officers and members to promote legal awareness and best practice.
- Ensure all casework is accurately managed using electronic case management systems and in accordance with Lexcel quality standards.
- Work collaboratively with internal departments and external partners to deliver effective legal solutions.
- Monitor the appropriate use of legal budgets, including expenditure on external legal advice and representation.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, case law, and emerging legal developments.
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practising certificate (or eligible to obtain one).
- Significant post-qualification experience providing legal advice within local government or a comparable environment.
- Experience managing complex legal matters across one or more areas of local government law.
- Experience supervising, mentoring, or developing junior legal professionals.
- Advocacy experience or the ability to undertake advocacy confidently.
- Excellent knowledge of relevant legislation, governance, and local authority legal frameworks.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and influencing skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality legal services within demanding timescales.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining high professional standards.
- Hours per week: Full-time
- Location: Flexible working arrangements with attendance at Surrey Council offices and external meetings/courts as required.
- Bi-Weekly Payments
