3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To provide a comprehensive legal service to the Council, including high-quality legal advice, documentation, and representation on complex and high-profile matters. The role covers Civil and Commercial Litigation, Regulatory Enforcement, Licensing, and Employment, supporting members, officers, and clients while safeguarding the Council’s legal and reputational interests.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied and complex caseload independently, ensuring deadlines and priorities are effectively met.
  
• Provide high-quality legal advice on complex matters, including decisions on whether cases should be initiated or defended.
  
• Represent the Council as an advocate in Courts and Tribunals, including Magistrates Court, County Court, and Employment Tribunal.
  
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex legal documentation.
  
• Advise Council members, officers, and clients on legal and policy matters, including high-value and high-impact decisions.
  
• Attend and provide legal advice at Council meetings, committees, and working groups as required.
  
• Mentor and support junior colleagues and contribute to their professional development.
  
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, case law, and policy changes, and provide guidance or training where needed.
  
• Develop legal templates and improve processes in collaboration with client departments.
  
• Build strong working relationships across departments and with external stakeholders.
  
• Contribute to the ongoing development and effectiveness of the Legal Services Team.
  
• Maintain high professional standards and comply with relevant legal and organisational codes of conduct.
  

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister
  
• Law degree or equivalent
  
• Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience across at least three relevant areas of law
  
• Strong experience handling complex legal caseloads independently
  
• Experience advising senior stakeholders on high-level legal matters
  
• Advocacy experience in Courts and/or Tribunals
  
• Good understanding of local government legal frameworks
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  
• Ability to make sound, independent decisions on complex matters
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
  
• Ability to supervise and support other legal professionals
  
• Commercial awareness and understanding of community impact
  

Additional Information

• Working Hours: 37 hours per week
  
• Pay: Bi-weekly payments
  
• Location: Swindon