Interim Head of Legal and Governance

CRA Group Limited; Northallerton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Northallerton is seeking a legal professional to deliver comprehensive legal services with a focus on regeneration and infrastructure projects. You will manage the Corporate Services Team and ensure compliance with professional standards while adapting to the evolving needs of the Council. The ideal candidate will have extensive post-qualification experience in a local government context, combined with team management experience, and strong advocacy skills. The role offers hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Post-qualification experience in local government legal context is essential.
• Attendance at committees to report and advise required.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal services to the Council and external clients.
• Manage and supervise the Corporate Services Team.
• Prepare and present cases in courts.
• Conduct research and provide legal advice.

Skills

Knowledge of Local Government law

Expertise in regeneration projects

Team management

Extensive advocacy experience

Political environment adaptability

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent

Qualified solicitor, barrister, or equivalent

Job description

3 months contract with local authority This role is based in Northallerton with hybrid working options available, including remote work. The primary objective is to deliver a comprehensive legal service to the Council, its Directorates, Committees, Members, and external clients. This includes offering legal advice and representation on high-profile, politically sensitive, and high-value projects, such as construction and regeneration, as well as company law advice for Council-owned entities. The position also involves governance responsibilities related to local and combined authorities. The role is part of the Legal and Democratic Services within the Chief Executive's Group and requires a flexible approach to meet the evolving needs of the Council. The successful candidate will manage the Corporate Services Team, ensuring compliance with professional standards and contributing to income generation.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal services to the Council and external clients.
• Manage and supervise the Corporate Services Team.
• Develop legal services in alignment with the Service Plan.
• Prepare and present cases in courts, tribunals, and inquiries.
• Instruct and attend with Counsel.
• Interview witnesses and prepare evidence statements.
• Attend and advise at meetings.
• Join project teams for significant Council projects.
• Conduct research and provide legal advice.
• Draft and advise on reports and minutes for Council, Committees, and Executive.
• Prepare and deliver training sessions.
• Monitor legislative and case law developments and advise accordingly.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Local Government law and administrative structures.
• Expertise in areas such as regeneration projects, infrastructure development, and commercial transactions.
• Extensive post-qualification experience in a local government legal context.
• Experience managing a team.
• Substantial advocacy experience in courts, tribunals, or inquiries.
• Ability to work in a corporate and political environment.
• Attendance at committees to report and advise.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or equivalent.