Legal Counsel

THE LABOUR PARTY UK; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A political organization in the UK is seeking a qualified Legal Counsel to provide legal advice and support on local government law and compliance issues. The position requires previous experience as a solicitor or barrister, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively within a political environment. This is a permanent role located at the Head Office in Newcastle or London, offering a competitive salary and opportunities for progression.

Qualifications

• Significant PQE with a proven track record in diverse legal issues.
• In-house legal experience is highly desirable.
• Ability to build rapport quickly with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support to the General Counsel.
• Assist Labour councillors with their rights and obligations.
• Collaborate with external lawyers on legal issues.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Political awareness

Education

Qualified as solicitor or barrister

Job description

Salary: £58,084.17 (gross) per annum, with a fixed sum allowance of £1,153. There is the ability to progress to £64,693.99 over the next 2 years. If the role is based in London, there will be an additional £3,650 (gross) per annum London Weighting applied.

Location: Head Office - Newcastle or Head Office - London

Duration: Permanent

Job Overview

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

To apply for this post, please complete the application form that you can find here and upload it to the 'Upload Resume' section. A fully completed application form must be uploaded for you to be considered for the role. Please leave the section 'Cover Note' below blank when providing your details.

To find out more about the role please click here.

The closing date for applications is 05 January 2026.

You must have the Right to Work in the UK to apply for this role.