Head of Legal

North Yorkshire Council; Northallerton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance

Local Government pension scheme

Childcare vouchers

New technology scheme and discounts

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council invites applications for a Senior Solicitor to join as Head of Legal for Commercial and Projects. The role leads a team within Legal Services and acts as Director of First North Law LLP to deliver pragmatic, cost‑effective legal solutions for both the Council and external clients.

We seek a leader who combines technical excellence with a commercial mindset, advising on complex contracts, procurement and significant capital projects to support growth and legal service

Qualifications

• Senior solicitor with leadership and strategic advisory experience.
• Commercial and projects contract expertise is desirable.
• Ability to deliver pragmatic, cost‑effective legal solutions to a public sector client.

Responsibilities

• Lead a legal team within Legal Services for commercial and projects work.
• Oversee delivery as Director of First North Law LLP, the council’s legal services company.
• Provide high‑level legal advice on complex contracts, procurement and large regeneration projects.

Job description

Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire

Help shape the future of commercial legal services.]

We are seeking a senior solicitor to join as the Head of Legal for Commercial and Projects work.

This role will be responsible for a number of complex and corporately significant development projects and leading a team within Legal Services. The postholder will also be a Director of First North Law and be responsible for delivering pragmatic and cost-effective solutions to address our growing customers’ legal requirements.

We are looking for a leader who can combine technical excellence with a proactive, commercial mindset. Whether advising on complex contracts, procurement and significant capital and regeneration projects, you will play a key role in delivering outstanding legal services to both the Council and a growing external client base.

About the Service

This is an exciting time to join North Yorkshire Council’s Contracts and Commercial Team. We have a strong and experienced team, with ambitious plans to grow our external legal services offer through First North Law LLP, our wholly owned, SRA-regulated legal services company.

Across the legal service we have over 60 lawyers supported by a dedicated practice manager and paralegal team. The legal service is part of Legal and Democratic Services within the Chief Executive’s Group. The Council provides a range of services across North Yorkshire, and the legal team provide a comprehensive and efficient legal service to officers, the Executive, full Council, its Committees and Members, and external clients.

The Council has just completed the three-year anniversary of the local government reorganisation, which brought together eight councils into the new North Yorkshire Council. This unification creates new opportunities to strengthen local delivery, improve system working and secure greater investment through devolution.

The York and North Yorkshire devolution deal could unlock around £2.4bn of investment over 30 years, focused on economic prosperity and long-term opportunity. This provides a powerful platform for the new Head of Lead to build their career in an era of growth.

You will benefit from working alongside experienced colleagues in a supportive environment that encourages innovation, collaboration and professional development. If you are ambitious, client-focused and looking for an opportunity to realise your full potential within a successful and growing commercial practice, we would love to hear from you. To be successful, you will be experienced in the areas of work detailed in the job specifications and be able to demonstrate the skills and competencies listed therein.

Why Join Us?

At North Yorkshire Council, we value our people and are committed to supporting your development and career progression.

In addition to your salary, you’ll also benefit from;

• generous holiday allowance.
• membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme.
• childcare vouchers.
• new technology scheme, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops, and other establishments to name a few.

For full details please see Total Rewards Brochure

Key Dates:

Closing Date: 11th November 2026

Interview Date: 20th November 2026

Please note we will be shortlisting whilst the advert is live.

Key Documents:

Job Description

We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

North Yorkshire Councils’ purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other’s contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds

Using AI? Please follow our guidance to ensure your application reflects your own knowledge and experience: www.northyorks.gov.uk/advice-your-job-application