Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire (Hybrid Working)
Salary: £43,149–£51,928 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Red Snapper Recruitment are recruiting on behalf of Kirklees Council for an experienced Senior Lawyer to join their Legal Services team on a permanent basis.
This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified legal professional to develop their career within a well-established in-house local authority legal service, providing high-quality legal advice, representation and support to Council services and partner organisations.
The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of legal matters, work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to the delivery of effective legal services that make a positive difference to local communities.
The Council offers hybrid working, with office attendance generally based around a minimum of two days per month where appropriate, subject to business needs and the requirements of the role.
Provide professional legal advice, assistance and representation to Council services and partner organisations.
Manage a personal caseload of legal matters, including complex, sensitive or high-value cases appropriate to experience and grade.
Undertake legal research, prepare legal documentation and provide clear, practical advice on relevant matters.
Work with an appropriate level of supervision to deliver timely and cost-effective legal services.
Commission and oversee external legal providers where required.
Monitor relevant legislation, case law and procedural developments, advising on their implications.
Support, coach and mentor less experienced legal colleagues.
Prepare and deliver legal training and guidance to colleagues and stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with professional standards, Council policies and relevant legal procedures.
Identify, advise on and escalate significant legal risks where appropriate.
Work collaboratively with legal colleagues, Council departments and partner organisations.
Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or appropriately qualified CILEx legal professional.
Relevant practical legal experience, with the ability to manage a caseload and provide professional legal advice.
Strong legal research, drafting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage complex or sensitive legal matters with appropriate supervision.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to prioritise workloads, manage competing deadlines and maintain professional standards.
Sound professional judgement and an understanding of legal and regulatory responsibilities.
Ability to work collaboratively and support the development of less experienced colleagues.
Applicants from private practice and other relevant legal environments are encouraged to apply. Previous local government experience is advantageous but not essential.
Local Government Pension Scheme (defined-benefit pension).
28.5 days’ annual leave, rising to 33.5 days after five years, plus bank holidays.
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, subject to service requirements.
Support with professional practising certificate fees, subject to Council policy.
Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and family leave arrangements.
Professional development, coaching and training opportunities.
Employee healthcare, wellbeing support and staff discount schemes.
The opportunity to contribute to legal work that directly benefits local communities.
If you are a qualified Lawyer looking for a permanent opportunity within a public sector legal service, please submit your up-to-date CV to Red Snapper Recruitment for consideration.
As part of your application, you may be presented with the opportunity to complete a short pre-interview screening at a time that's convenient for you. It's available 24/7, allowing you to fast-track your application without having to wait for office hours.
Once you've completed your screening, one of our specialist recruitment consultants will personally review your application and, if you're shortlisted, will contact you to arrange the next stage of the interview process.
Flexible. Convenient. Reviewed by specialist recruiters.