Assistant Director of Legal

JR United Kingdom; England; Hybrid; GBP 82,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading local authority legal team as an Assistant Director of Legal in Hertfordshire. This role offers a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on legal expertise, managing a team while handling complex legal cases. Enjoy a hybrid working model and competitive rewards, including generous salary and exclusive benefits.

Benefits

Gym and fitness discounts

Health and dental insurance options

Career development opportunities

Discounts on shopping and entertainment

Qualifications

• Substantial PQE required.
• In-depth knowledge in Commercial, Property or Planning Law.

Responsibilities

• Line-manage three Principal Lawyers.
• Maintain and drive a portfolio of sophisticated legal matters.
• Shape departmental strategy and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational Acumen

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

Assistant Director of Legal, Hertfordshire

Circa £82k rising to £90k per annum

Local Government Pension Scheme (19.6% employer contribution)

An outstanding senior leadership opportunity has arisen within a highly regarded local authority legal team. This role is ideal for a commercially minded legal professional seeking to balance strategic management with hands-on expertise and an engaging caseload.

Key Responsibilities

• Line-Manage Principal Lawyers: You will directly manage three Principal Lawyers, each of whom leads a well-established, high-functioning sub-team.
• Subject Matter Expertise: You will be the go-to expert in one of these key areas: Commercial & Procurement Law, Property & Regeneration Law, Planning & Environment Law.
• Complex Caseload: Alongside your leadership duties, you will maintain and drive your own portfolio of sophisticated legal matters.
• Strategic Leadership: As part of the Legal Services management team, you will shape departmental strategy, drive continuous improvement, and support accreditation standards.
• Monitoring Officer Duties: Deputise for the Director of Law & Governance when required, representing the legal function at corporate governance groups and boards.
• Client Relationship Management: Negotiate and agree service levels with a range of local authority clients, ensuring outstanding delivery and satisfaction.

Why Join

• Hybrid Working Model: Choose where you work, with the right balance of office collaboration and home-working flexibility.
• Competitive Rewards: Generous salary, excellent holiday entitlement, and a suite of salary-exchange schemes (Cycle to Work, purchased leave, Christmas savings).
• Wellbeing Focus: Gym and fitness discounts, free counselling, wellbeing events (virtual & onsite), health and dental insurance options, and independent financial advice.
• Exclusive Benefits: Discounts on shopping, entertainment, travel, hospitality, and more.
• Career Development: Real scope to deepen your expertise, broaden your responsibilities, and progress further in a leading local authority legal team.

Who You Are

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive: with substantial PQE.
• In-Depth Knowledge: in Commercial, Property or Planning Law.
• Proven Leadership: of senior lawyers within a large organisation.
• Organisational Acumen: in local government structures and service delivery.