Senior Lawyer

inploi; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Manchester is seeking a Senior Lawyer to join the Employment and General Legal Team. You will provide high-quality legal advice across multiple public sector areas and represent the council in various legal matters. The ideal candidate should be a qualified solicitor or barrister with strong analytical and communication skills. This role offers generous benefits, including a substantial holiday allowance and training opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Pension enrolment in the largest local government scheme

Enhanced parental and carers leave

Training opportunities and workshops

Qualifications

• Strong experience in public sector or local government law.
• Experience in employment law is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and advise on complex legal matters and documentation.
• Draft and review reports with legal implications for Council.
• Provide instructions and legal support for judicial review matters.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Collaborative skills

Education

Qualified solicitor, barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

Overview

Senior Lawyer to join the Employment and General Legal Team in a dynamic public sector environment. You will provide high-quality legal advice and representation across a broad spectrum of work, shaping the legal landscape of local government.

Responsibilities

• Public Inquiries & Coroner’s Inquests: Preparing and advising on complex legal matters and documentation.
• Education Law: Advising and training Independent Education Boards (IEBs) and panels on school admissions and exclusions appeals.
• Governance & Decision-Making: Drafting and reviewing reports to Council, Committees, and Panels with potential legal implications.
• Strategic Advice: Supporting Strategic Directors on delegated decision-making and governance issues.
• Judicial Review: Providing instructions and legal support on matters subject to judicial scrutiny.
• Regulatory & Civil Matters: Offering expert advice on Council Tax, market trading regulations, burial grounds, cemeteries, and landlord licensing.

You’ll also play a key role in delivering training to panels and boards, ensuring legal frameworks are clearly understood and applied.

Requirements

• Experience: Qualified solicitor, barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with strong experience in public sector or local government law.
• Skills: Excellent analytical and communication skills; proactive approach to problem-solving and legal risk management; ability to work collaboratively across departments and with senior stakeholders.
• Desirable: Experience in employment law (desirable but not essential).

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance: Up to 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays; increasing to 31 days after five years; option to purchase up to two additional weeks.
• Pension: Enrolment in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with life cover of three times salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave.
• Perks: Discounts through MCR+; phone contracts discounts; cycle to work; free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
• Learn and grow: Training opportunities, onboarding, workshops, and qualifications.
• A Good Employment Charter member: Secure, flexible work; pay reviewed annually; recognition of trade unions; health and wellbeing support.
• Volunteering leave: Up to 3 days pro-rated.

Inclusive Team & Support

Manchester City Council is committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcome from all backgrounds, with emphasis on encouraging Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people to apply.

Support During the Process

• Interview adjustments available on request.
• Accessible formats and ReciteMe tool available via the careers page for accessibility.

Pre-Employment Checks

• Proof of Right to Work in the UK (visa sponsorship not guaranteed).
• References from current and previous employers.
• Proof of qualifications relevant to the role.
• DBS check where necessary; police vetting for certain roles; BPSS clearance for roles with government data access; driving licence if required.

Remaining information outlines general information about the role and the council’s approach to accessibility, inclusion, and community impact.