Legal Services Manager

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils (trading as South & Vale); Abingdon; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils (trading as South & Vale) are seeking a qualified solicitor or equivalent to lead complex public sector legal work and governance. The role expects independence, advisory excellence, and strong collaboration with officers, members and partner agencies.

You will provide expert legal advice, draft and negotiate key documents, represent the Council in courts and inquiries, and support democratic decision-making while developing services

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or equivalent with substantial public sector experience.
• Ability to lead specialist advisers and engage with partners and politicians.
• Experience handling complex workloads and driving governance processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice across local government functions.
• Draft, review and negotiate legal documents, contracts, policies and reports.
• Represent the Council in courts, tribunals, inquiries, hearings and negotiations.
• Instruct and manage external legal counsel when required.
• Advise members, committees and officers on legal and constitutional matters.
• Review reports to ensure legal compliance and support democratic decision-making.
• Identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks.
• Develop legal policies, procedures and best practices.
• Deliver training and guidance to officers and members.

Skills

Advisory skills

Leadership

Public sector experience

Legal drafting

Negotiation

Education

Qualified Solicitor/Barrister/Legal Executive

Job description

About The Role

We believe in putting our people first – we work hard every day to make sure everyone can achieve a healthy and fulfilling work-life-balance. That is why we have a very flexible hours system and use technology to enable efficient but enjoyable working roles.

We are seen as being customer focused, approachable and business-like. We are honest and open and are renowned for providing high quality cost-effective service.

Why join us

About the role

Are you looking for an exciting and varied role where you will be working with a team of specialist advisers who are helping to shape the future environment of southern Oxfordshire including creating a whole new Unitary Council? Where you are supported in developing your experience and knowledge to further your career and key skills to fly even higher in the future? The role will expect independence and strong advisory / political skills but will allow the freedom to let them - and you - grow into a real strategic lawyer.

Essential criteria for the role

You will be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive but with significant experience of handling a complex workload in a public sector environment, confidently leading teams of specialists able to engage with partner agencies, other professionals and politicians.

Whilst it is anticipated that you will work from home for the majority of your working days, you will need to drive to the Council officers occasionally for committee attendance (typically evenings), sealing deeds as part of a senior officer rota, or other occasional in person meetings, so you will need a current driving licence with daily access to a vehicle insured for business use.

Key responsibilities for the role

Legal Advice and Representation

• Provide expert legal advice across a range of local government functions.
• Draft, review and negotiate legal documents, agreements, contracts, policies, and reports.
• Represent the Council in courts, tribunals, inquiries, hearings, and negotiations where appropriate.
• Instruct and manage external legal counsel when required.

Case Management

• Manage a varied caseload efficiently and effectively.
• Ensure legal matters are progressed within agreed timescales.
• Maintain accurate records and comply with professional standards and case management procedures.

Governance and Decision-Making

• Advise members, committees, and officers on legal and constitutional matters.
• Review reports and decisions to ensure legal compliance.
• Support democratic decision-making processes.

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and case law.
• Contribute to the Council's corporate governance framework.

Service Development

• Assist in developing legal policies, procedures, and best practice.
• Deliver training and guidance to officers and members.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and departmental objectives.

Partnership Working

• Develop positive working relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with other Council services and external organisations.
• Promote a customer-focused and commercially aware legal service.

A full list of the duties this role provides, as well as the benefits we offer, can be found within the job description.

Please note that we do not hold a sponsor licence and are unable to support visa applications. To be considered for this role, you must already have the legal right to work in the UK. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please refer to the UK Government’s guidance before applying.