Senior Solicitor

Rutland County Council; Oakham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Senior Solicitor to provide high-level legal advice across various local government matters. The ideal candidate will have strong local government law knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively. This role offers flexibility with hybrid working options and a commitment to employee wellbeing and development.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Local Government Pension

Flexible working options

Opportunities for career development

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX required.
• Experience in local government law and relevant legislation preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level legal advice and representation on complex matters.
• Support the Principal Lawyer and drive innovation.
• Advise the Council on a wide range of legal issues.

Skills

Strong working knowledge of local government law

Excellent communication skills

Proficient in Microsoft 365

Problem-solving skills

Adaptable and proactive

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Solicitor with a recognized specialism who is also confident in advising across a broad spectrum of legal matters.

Are you an experienced, qualified legal professional, with a strong sense of public service and a drive to make a difference? Do you enjoy working in a collaborative, supportive and busy environment where your legal expertise helps shape outcomes that benefit the wider community? If so, we’d love to hear from you…

This is an opportunity to grow, contribute and be part of a team that values your skills and commitment.

About the role

This role is within a forward-thinking local authority, offering the opportunity to contribute to a high‑quality in‑house legal service across the breadth of local government areas. You’ll work closely with colleagues in all departments, providing strategic legal advice and helping to ensure robust governance and compliance. The role is varied, impactful, and ideal for someone who enjoys working with multiple service areas to support the Council’s wider objectives.

As the Senior Solicitor, you will:

• Provide high‑level legal advice and representation on complex matters
• Support the Principal Lawyer
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across the team
• Advise the Council, its committees, and senior officers on a wide range of legal issues
• Lead on complex legal casework
• Undertake advocacy
• Contribute to the development of practice standards and improved ways of working
• Deliver training and updates on legal developments
• Deputise for the Principal Lawyer

About you

• A qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX
• Strong working knowledge of local government law and relevant legislation
• Excellent communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and other legal IT systems
• Skilled in problem‑solving and able to provide timely legal advice
• Adaptable, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement
• Capable of working both independently and as part of a team

Please note: part‑time hours will be considered based on service need.

To be successful in this role – you may have experience working in the following roles:

• Adult Social Care Law
• Planning Law
• Property Law
• Childcare Law
• Employment Law

The Senior Solicitor interviews will be held in the week commencing 8th December 2025. Please be advised this could be subject to change, in which case we will give appropriate notice.

We will be reviewing applications on a regular basis and inviting those that meet our essential person specification criteria to interview. If you’re interested in this role, we strongly encourage you to apply without delay.

Our offer to you

Rutland Council is committed to Flexible Working and understands the benefits of supporting employees to manage their work and life balance, whilst meeting the needs of the service.

We are committed to supporting and empowering our staff to be the best workers that they can be and Rutland Council is the place you want to be. Our benefits go beyond the salary – being part of a great team, excellent Local Government Pension, generous annual leave, opportunities to learn and develop your career, and a demonstrable commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff.

Whilst the base for this post is Oakham, Rutland, the Local Authority offers a hybrid working practice. As well as working from home, we feel it is important that you have the opportunity to spend time in the workplace with your colleagues to help you learn, develop and engage.

Find out more

To learn more about working with us visit https://jobs.rutland.gov.uk or if you have any queries about this role please contact Katherine Jamieson at [e-mail].

How to apply

Click on the apply button which will redirect you to the Jobs Go Public (JGP) site where we handle all our vacancies. If you already have a JGP account you will be asked to login, or alternatively if you don’t have an account, you will be guided through the set‑up process. Access to an account is necessary, as all updates regarding your application will be sent via the JGP site to the email you have used to register.

If you are experiencing problems or have any queries about the application process, please call us on 01572 758291 or email us at [e-mail].

Please be aware that in the event of a high volume of applications, we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date.

All recruitment correspondence, including interview details, will be sent out via email from the Jobs Go Public site. If you require documentation or correspondence in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team.

Rutland County Council is committed to Equality and Diversity

Rutland County Council is committed to Equality and Diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Everyone at Rutland County Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults and for ensuring that they are protected from harm.