Senior Lawyer Employment*

London Borough of Newham; London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local authority in London seeks a Legal Specialist to provide high-level legal advice and manage a legal team. This role involves supporting strategic initiatives and developing legal solutions that align with the organization's goals, centered on local government operations. The position requires a qualified solicitor or barrister with relevant experience in employment and contract law or civil litigation.

Qualifications

• Expertise in civil litigation, employment and contract law, planning, or development.
• Experience in local government legal contexts.
• Ability to support strategic aims of Legal Services department.

Responsibilities

• Support Principal Lawyer in providing strategic legal advice.
• Lead and manage a team of legal professionals.
• Develop innovative solutions and maximize income.

Skills

Understanding of local government operations

Strategic direction setting

Building positive relationships

Innovative legal solutions

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister with a valid practicing certificate

Job description

Job Category: Legal (Specialist)

Location: London Borough of Newham

Hours Per Week: 36.00

Start Date: Immediate start

Start Time: 09:00

End Time: 17:00

Salary: £35.76 per hour

Job Description:

• Support the Principal Lawyer and Legal Services management team in providing strategic, high-level legal advice to the Councils, Members, and Officers, focusing on Employment and related areas to help achieve corporate goals.
• Lead and manage a team in a shared back-office support service, including lawyers, legal officers, and support staff, delivering high-quality, solution-focused legal work across multiple disciplines and sites.
• Assist the Principal Lawyer in meeting the strategic aims of the Legal Services department.
• Build positive relationships with customers, support the Principal Lawyer as a relationship manager, and develop innovative legal solutions.
• Support initiatives to maximize income and identify savings.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Understanding of local government operations, challenges, and the legal, financial, and political context.
• Contribute to setting the strategic direction of Legal Services and support the development of service plans with partners.
• Knowledge of local government powers and duties, with expertise in at least one of the following areas: civil litigation, employment and contract law, planning, or development.
• Qualified solicitor or barrister with a valid practicing certificate.