3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
* An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Corporate Lawyer to join a local authority's legal team on a temporary basis.
* This position involves providing high-level legal advice and assistance across Employment, Education, Equality, and Information Law, supporting both complex casework and day-to-day legal queries.
* The successful candidate will work within a collaborative and dynamic team environment, contributing to decision-making processes, representing the organisation in tribunals, and ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
* Deliver specialist legal advice on matters relating to Employment Law, Education Law, Equality, and Information/Data Protection Law.
* Manage and progress a busy caseload of complex legal matters, particularly employment litigation, TUPE, and HR-related disputes.
* Undertake advocacy in Employment Tribunals and other relevant forums.
* Draft and review legal documents, policies, and procedures to ensure legal compliance and reflect best practice.
* Contribute to the preparation of committee reports and attend committee meetings where necessary.
* Provide legal support in response to corporate complaints and member enquiries.
* Deliver internal legal training and briefings to staff and departments on legislative developments.
* Support and contribute to the ongoing improvement of legal services, including process and policy development.
* Ensure all work meets performance targets, including chargeable hours and quality standards.
* Use case management and IT systems to maintain accurate records and ensure legal compliance, including under the Data Protection Act (GDPR).
* Participate in wider corporate legal matters or projects as required, including offering cover for colleagues.
Skills/Experience:
* Minimum of 2 years' post-qualification legal experience, or exceptional experience of shorter duration.
* Proven experience handling complex employment law issues (minimum 6 months), including TUPE, tribunal advocacy, and advising on HR policies.
* Thorough knowledge of Employment Law, Equality Law, and familiarity with Education Law and Information Law.
* Experience preparing cases for and appearing at Employment Tribunals.
* Strong legal drafting, advocacy, and policy advisory skills.
* Excellent verbal and written communication and the ability to explain complex legal matters clearly.
* Ability to manage complex casework independently and contribute to team success.
* Confident in delivering proactive legal advice to internal stakeholders at all levels.
* Experience advising within the public sector or local government legal services.
* Familiarity with public sector governance frameworks and corporate complaints processes.
* Ability to mentor junior staff and assist in team training.
Additional Information:
* Full-time role: 35 hours/week.
* Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (England or comparable jurisdiction).
* Location: Hybrid – desk-based role with one day per week in office (Greater London).
• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (England or comparable jurisdiction).