Legal Counsel

The Labour Party; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A political organization in the UK seeks a Legal Counsel to provide legal advice and support, ensuring compliance with local government law. Ideal candidates will be qualified solicitors or barristers with significant PQE and strong legal research skills. The position demands excellent interpersonal capabilities and the capacity to handle sensitive political matters while maintaining confidentiality. This is an opportunity to impact legal compliance within a dynamic political environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in providing pragmatic legal advice.
• In-house legal experience is highly desirable.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support to the General Counsel.
• Assist Labour councillors with compliance under local government law.
• Work with external legal advisors as needed.

Skills

Legal research and analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to assess legal risk

Political awareness and sensitivity

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister with significant PQE

Job description

The Labour Party is looking to recruit a Legal Counsel. The post-holder will be responsible for providing legal advice and support to the General Counsel and such other staff as directed by the General Counsel. To provide specialist legal advice to Labour councillors on their individual rights, duties and obligations under local government law, including standards regimes and related compliance issues. To instruct and work with external private practice lawyers as required for the handling of legal issues. To help continually assess the Party's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Qualified as solicitor or barrister with significant PQE, with a proven track record of quickly getting to grips with diverse legal issues and providing pragmatic, solution-focused advice. In-house legal experience demonstrating the ability to work effectively as part of an organisation is highly desirable.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills with the ability to rapidly develop expertise in unfamiliar areas of law, and sound judgment in assessing legal risk and providing proportionate, practical advice under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport quickly with diverse stakeholders including elected councillors, work collaboratively at all levels, and explain complex legal concepts to lay audiences.
• Political awareness and sensitivity without compromising legal independence, with demonstrable ability to work in sensitive environments, to tight deadlines, and to maintain confidentiality in sensitive political matters.