Legal Officer / Senior Legal Officer

Lawyers In Local Government; Horsham; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council's corporate legal team in Horsham seeks a Solicitor, Barrister, or Legal Executive to manage a caseload and provide legal advice on non-contentious local government matters. This role offers the opportunity for professional growth, regular team support, and a hybrid working model. Ideal candidates will possess excellent drafting skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret legislation. Experience in local government is not essential but a passion for learning and development is required.

Qualifications

• 2-6 years PQE experience preferred but not essential for motivated candidates.
• Strong background in legal services is necessary.
• Local Government experience is not essential but willingness to learn is.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own caseload within the legal team.
• Provide practical legal advice based on local government law.
• Engage in problem solving and teamwork during regular meetings.

Skills

Excellent drafting skills

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Ability to interpret complex legislation

Competence in Microsoft Office applications

Education

Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive qualification

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, friendly corporate Legal Team working in a council that’s big enough to make a difference but small enough to feel like family. You will be given your own caseload and have the support and the space to shine, make your own mark and to feel valued.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a candidate who is a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive and ideally has 2-6 years PQE experience. That said, if you are qualified with raw talent but little or no PQE experience and are hungry to progress then this career‑graded opportunity might just be for you.

Key Function

The key function of the job is to deal (predominantly) with non‑contentious aspects of local government law, including contract, procurement, planning and property related matters. If you do not have any experience in those areas but are willing to learn, then training will be provided for the right candidate. A strong background in legal services is necessary however, Local Government experience is not essential.

Team and Working

Our team work together, problem solving, sharing expertise, knowledge, and experience so that everyone can thrive. Regular team meetings promote continual development and a strong sense of belonging. Everyone is supported to achieve their full potential.

You will already be a confident, credible verbal and written communicator who is competent in all Microsoft Office applications. Someone who has the ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and case law to provide practical legal advice and has excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.

We operate a hybrid system of working with some office working. Home working is actively supported.

For a full list of duties and requirements of the role, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification found in the "Supporting Documentation" section below.

To see just how good the range of other benefits are check out the “Employee Benefits” section on our web site’s jobs page.

Alternatively, for more information or for an informal discussion about the role, please contact [e-mail]

Closing date for completed applications is Sunday 1st February 2026, with interviews being held week commencing 9th February.