Interim Head of Legal (Major Projects & Governance)

neway international; Northallerton; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local authority in Northallerton is seeking an Interim Head of Legal to oversee a comprehensive legal service focusing on high-profile projects. You will manage the Corporate Services Team and provide legal advice on governance. Candidates must be qualified solicitors or barristers with significant experience in local government law and proven advocacy skills. This role offers a hybrid work model and competitive pay.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with practising certificate.
• Extensive post-qualification experience in local government legal services.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver legal services in line with the Service Plan.
• Prepare and present cases in courts, tribunals, and inquiries.
• Provide legal advice at meetings.
• Draft and advise on Council, Committee, and Executive reports.

Skills

Strong knowledge of Local Government law

Expertise in regeneration projects

Management experience

Substantial advocacy experience

Experience in corporate contexts

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent

Qualified solicitor or barrister

Job description

The Role

The Interim Head of Legal will provide and oversee a comprehensive legal service to the Council and external clients, with a focus on high‑profile, politically sensitive, and high‑value capital projects (construction and regeneration). It will also deliver company law advice relating to Council‑owned companies and corporate delivery models, local authority governance including harbour authority responsibilities, and combined authority governance and projects.

You will manage and supervise the Corporate Services Team, ensuring delivery of efficient and effective legal services. Support will be provided by the Assistant Director for Legal Services in specialist areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver legal services in line with the Service Plan.
• Prepare and present cases in courts, tribunals, and inquiries.
• Instruct and attend with counsel.
• Interview witnesses and prepare statements of evidence.
• Provide legal advice at meetings, including officer, member, and external client meetings.
• Join project teams for significant Council initiatives.
• Draft and advise on Council, Committee, and Executive reports.
• Deliver training sessions as required.
• Monitor legislation and case law developments, advising accordingly.
• Strong knowledge of Local Government law.
• Expertise in regeneration projects, infrastructure development, construction, joint ventures, partnerships, and commercial transactions.
• Extensive post‑qualification experience in local government legal services.
• Proven experience managing a team.
• Substantial advocacy experience in courts, tribunals, or inquiries.
• Experience working in corporate and political contexts.
• Committee attendance and advisory experience.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Qualified solicitor or barrister (practising certificate required).

About the Client

North Yorkshire Council is a leading local authority delivering a wide range of services across the county. The Legal Service, part of Legal and Democratic Services within the Chief Executive's Group, plays a vital role in supporting the Council's Directorates, Executive, Committees, Members, and external clients. The service is committed to excellence, compliance with Law Society Professional Standards, and maintaining Lexcel accreditation.

Position Details

Interim Head of Legal (Hybrid) needed in Northallerton, £30.19ph PAYE - Reference: RQ1660024. Length: 3 to 6 months. Hours: 08:30 - 5pm Mon - Thu, 08:30‑4:30 Fri. Full‑time working is preferred; part‑time working will be considered. Location: Hybrid/Northallerton.