Lawyer Corporate Governance

Swale Borough Council; Sittingbourne; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Sittingbourne is seeking a Corporate Governance Lawyer to manage a caseload of corporate governance work. This full-time, permanent position offers a supportive environment and outstanding benefits, including flexible working options and generous annual leave. Candidates should have legal practice experience in corporate governance, a CILEX Level 3 qualification, and be prepared to advise senior leaders on governance matters. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute meaningfully to local government operations.

Benefits

Local Government pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Wellbeing support

Discounts on leisure and retail

Free parking

Season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Minimum of CILEX Level 3 (or equivalent) obtained and working towards Level 6.
• Experience operating in politically sensitive environments.
• Full, valid UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Manage caseload of corporate governance work with minimal supervision.
• Provide high-quality legal advice and services to senior managers.
• Stay updated on legal developments in corporate governance law.

Skills

Legal practice experience in corporate governance

Track record of providing legal advice to decision-makers

Experience advising Members on corporate governance matters

Education

CILEX Level 3 (or equivalent) and working towards Level 6

Job description

About Us

Mid Kent Legal Services (MKLS) provides legal services and advice across the Mid-Kent area (to Swale, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells councils). The service covers a range of areas including Property and Regeneration, Planning, Contentious, Contracts & Commissioning and Corporate Governance. Working across multiple councils means a range of high-level, challenging and impactful work ranging from supporting the delivery of garden communities, to the redevelopment of large shopping centres, to letting very large contracts, to delivering affordable housing. In short, it’s a real opportunity to make a difference in an area with vibrant towns, beautiful villages and countryside and fantastic leisure and cultural amenities.

MKLS’s has a reputation as being forward thinking, progressive and innovative and is closely and strongly aligned with is partner authorities. It provides a supportive and nurturing environment, providing opportunities for staff to progress internally and uses technology to maximise the effective use of lawyers\' time. In short, it is a great place to work.

We are now looking for a Corporate Governance Lawyer to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 34 hours per week.

Benefits

• Local Government pension scheme
• Generous annual leave plus time off office closure between Christmas and New Year (and an option to purchase extra leave)
• Wellbeing support including confidential advice, counselling, flu vaccines
• Discounts on leisure, retail, and fuel and salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work and car leasing
• Generous sick pay
• Free parking across the 3 Partner Authority sites
• Season ticket loans for rail/bus travel

This is the ideal opportunity for Corporate Governance Lawyers with a track record of providing legal advice to join our forward-thinking shared service.

With exceptional benefits, a brilliant pension scheme and opportunities for professional growth, you’ll enjoy a rewarding public sector career with more flexibility and development and significantly less commuting.

What’s more, we offer outstanding working arrangements, with the majority of your time spent working from home and a 34 hour working week including 1pm finishes on Fridays. On top of this, we offer a number of working options such as compressed hours, nine day fortnights and part-time working, all within an inclusive and supportive working environment where your wellbeing is prioritised.

The Role

As a Corporate Governance Lawyer, you will manage a caseload of corporate governance work with non-complex work being carried out with minimal supervision.

Ensuring we operate at the forefront of legal excellence and align with Lexcel standards, you will provide high quality legal advice and services to elected members, senior managers and staff across all three local authorities.

You will supervise less senior fee earners and Legal Support Officers, ensuring high-quality support in legal work.

Additionally, you will:

• Stay updated on legal developments in corporate governance law and practice
• Represent MKLS in internal working groups and external meetings
• Uphold the Council’s policies

This is an exciting time to join the MKLS Corporate Governance Team with a number of large and high-profile projects happening across the Partner Authorities.

About You

To be considered as a Corporate Governance Lawyer, you will need:

• Minimum of CILEX Level 3 (or equivalent) obtained and working towards Level 6. Qualified solicitor, barrister, chartered legal executive or have equivalent qualification and experience
• Legal practice experience in corporate governance
• A track record of providing legal advice and support to senior leaders and key decision-makers in corporate governance law and practice
• Experience advising Members on all aspects of corporate governance law and procedures
• Experience operating in politically sensitive environments
• Knowledge and understanding of the political nature of local government and democratic process
• A full, valid UK driving licence

Other organisations may call this role Legal Counsel, Lawyer, Legal Services Manager, Solicitor, Barrister, Chartered Legal Executive, or Legal Manager.

Selection Process

Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those that are successful in securing an interview can expect a face-to-face interview.

Mid Kent Legal Services and Maidstone, Swale and Tunbridge Wells local authorities are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.

If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Timothy Pyant, Interim Business Manager on 01622 602155.

Job Description and Person Specification: https://docs.maidstone.gov.uk/jobs/Lawyer-Corporate-Governance-JDPS-Jan-26.pdf

Interview Date: w/c 2nd March 2026