Interim Head of Legal (Major Projects & Governance)

Neway International Ltd; Northallerton; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Part time

Job summary

A legal recruitment firm is seeking an Interim Head of Legal for North Yorkshire Council, based in Northallerton. This role involves overseeing legal services on high-profile projects and managing a team. Candidates must have extensive experience in local government law, proven advocacy skills, and hold a valid legal qualification. The position offers a competitive hourly rate and hybrid working options, suitable for both full-time and part-time applicants.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of local government law.
• Proven experience managing a legal team.
• Substantial advocacy experience in public hearings.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal services to the Council.
• Prepare and present cases in legal proceedings.
• Draft Council reports and deliver training sessions.

Skills

Local Government law

Regeneration projects

Infrastructure development

Construction

Commercial transactions

Team management

Advocacy in courts

Education

Degree level or equivalent

Qualified solicitor or barrister

Job description

Neway International are seeking an Interim Head of Legal (Major Projects & Governance) to join our client, North Yorkshire Council, based at County Hall, Northallerton.

Location

County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AE (Hybrid working available)

Hours

Full-time preferred:
Monday – Thursday: 08:30 – 17:00
Friday: 08:30 – 16:30 Part-time working will be considered.

Start/End Dates

Start: 5 January 2026
End: 6 March 2026
Contract length: 3–6 months

Pay Rates

PAYE: £30.19 per hour
Umbrella/Ltd: £38.03 per hour (IR35 Status: Inside IR35)

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.

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).
• Company law advice relating to Council-owned companies and corporate delivery models.
• Local authority governance, including harbour authority responsibilities.
• 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.

Candidate Requirements

Knowledge & Experience

• 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).

Additional Information

This is a politically restricted post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.