Interim Head of Legal (Major Projects & Governance)
The core focus is to provide and ensure the provision of a comprehensive legal service to the third parties including legal advice and representation in relation to the high profile, politically sensitive and high value capital projects (including construction and regeneration).
Company law advice in relation to the owned companies and other corporate delivery models; local authority governance; combined authority governance and projects; under contract to the Legal and Democratic Services external clients.
The worker will be supported by the Assistant Director for Legal Services with specialist areas such as Harbours. The Legal Service is part of Legal and Democratic Services (LDS) within the Chief Executive Group and provides a range of services to the North Yorkshire area.
The nature of the work requires a flexible and versatile approach as it will change from time to time in response to the changing needs and developing initiatives.
The post involves working with colleagues and Members at every level within the organisation, external clients and partners, and managing the performance of staff within its responsibility.
The budget of the service is partially dependent on income from external sources; the post must ensure successful income generation, compliance with Law Society Professional Standards, and the achievement of Lexcel accreditation.
Qualified lawyers must have a practising certificate. This is a politically restricted post as defined by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Responsibilities
* The provision of a comprehensive, efficient, and effective legal service to the organisation and external clients, and the management and supervision of the Corporate Services Team in providing that service.
* The development of the legal service provided in the above areas to the organisation and all clients in accordance with the requirements of the Service Plan.
* The preparation and presentation of cases in courts, tribunals, and inquiries.
* The instruction of Counsel and attendance with Counsel.
* The interviewing of witnesses and preparation of statements of evidence.
* Attendance and advice at meetings.
* Joining project teams for the delivery of significant projects.
* Undertaking research and providing written or verbal advice.
* Attending Officer and Member meetings, or meetings of external client organisations to give legal advice as necessary.
* Drafting and/or advising on Executive reports and minutes.
* The preparation and presentation of appropriate training.
* Monitoring legislation and case law developments and advising the Organisation, Directorates, and clients accordingly.
Qualifications
* Knowledge of Local Government law areas.
* Expertise in law in main subject areas such as regeneration projects, large‑scale infrastructure development, construction projects, joint ventures/partnerships, and other commercial transactions and associated litigation.
* Knowledge of local government and administrative structures.
* Extensive post‑qualification experience providing legal advice, support, and representation in a local government context.
* Experience of managing a team of staff.
* Substantial advocacy experience in courts, tribunals, or inquiries.
* Working in a corporate and political context.
* Attendance at committees to report and advise.
Professional Qualifications
* Educated to degree standard or equivalent.
* Solicitor, barrister, or equivalent qualification.
Compensation & Contract
£30.19 per hour.
3‑6 month contract.
Hybrid / Northallerton – some requirement to attend the office in Northallerton, with hybrid working from other offices and from home available.
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