Join Essex County Council’s Legal Team – Make a Real Impact in Public Law

Are you a qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive with a passion for Children and Education Law?

Essex Legal Services provide high quality, professional, legal advice across the council and to increasing numbers of external clients. Providing a client facing legal service which proactively embraces change and delights the customer. 

We are a specialist legal team providing high quality advice in Children and Education law with a focus on public law children proceedings to underpin effective decision making and meet statutory requirements. Achieving good customer service and making a real and demonstrable difference to the delivery of Essex Legal Services’ business and the business of our clients. 

We are looking for a Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive primarily with a strong interest in working in-house to contribute to the ongoing development of the business and with the ability to build excellent working relationship with our clients.

We have opportunities available on both a permanent and fixed-term basis (up to 12 months). Please indicate your preferred contract type in your supporting statement when applying.

Why Essex County Council?

• Diverse and Impactful Work: We serve 1.5 million people, a £1.7 billion estate and tackle a wide range of interesting and complex legal challenges and projects.
• Supportive Team Environment: Join a brilliant team of lawyers who are dedicated to making a difference. New joiners rave about the interesting work and the support they receive.
• In-House Expertise: Most of our work is done in-house, providing you with a rich and varied experience.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Solicitors/Barristers / Legal Executives with a current practising certificate and a strong interest in working in-house.
• Expertise in Children Law including public law proceedings and advocacy in children matters.
• Strong Communicators & Relationship Builders. Able to provide clear advice on complex issues and build trusted relationships across a large, politically sensitive organisation.
• Outcome-Focused Professionals who understand client needs and drive productivity and efficiency improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide timely, accurate legal advice across the Council and to external clients.
• Act as a legal practitioner and advocate, offering specialist consultation and support.
• Constructively challenge and influence decision-making to achieve the best outcomes.
• Build strong working relationships with internal teams, external stakeholders, and other local authorities.
• Deliver against business plans aligned with the Council’s strategic vision.

Why You'll Love Working with Us:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the freedom to work from home while still benefiting from in-person collaboration in our Chelmsford offices.
• Generous Time Off: Start with 27 days of holiday, increasing with service, plus 8 bank holidays and up to 4 paid volunteer days each year.
• Secure Your Future: Enjoy peace of mind with enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Professional Growth: We cover professional fees for approved professions, supporting your career development.

Interested?

To learn more about our current opportunities, please email us at Resourcing.Team@essex.gov.uk . We’d be delighted to speak with you.

Closing date: 4 September 2025

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.