Interim Head of Legal (Major Projects & Governance)

North Yorkshire (Local Authority role)

3 - 6 Month Contract

Rate: Negotiable - Indicate rate sought (Umbrella)

Full Time working is preferred, part time working will be considered.

Location: Hybrid/Northallerton.

There will be some requirement to attend the office in Northallerton, however hybrid working from other offices and including from home is available.

Qualified lawyers must have a practising certificate. This is a politically restricted post as defined by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

The core focus is to provide and ensure the provision of a comprehensive legal service to the Council, Directorates, Committees and Members 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 Council owned companies and other corporate delivery models.
• local authority governance including in relation to the Council status as harbour authority.
• Combined authority governance and projects.
• Under contract to the Legal and Democratic Services’ external clients The worker will be provided with support from the Assistant Director for Legal Services with some of the specialist and niche areas such as Harbours etc.

A comprehensive legal service includes the following:

1. The development of the legal service provided in the above areas to the Council and all clients in accordance with the requirements of the Service Plan.
2. The preparation and presentation of cases in courts, tribunals, and inquiries.
3. The instruction of Counsel and attendance with Counsel.
4. The interviewing of witnesses and preparation of statements of evidence.
5. Attendance and advice at meetings.
6. Joining project teams for the delivery of significant Council projects.
7. Undertaking research and providing written or verbal advice.
8. Attending Officer and Member meetings, or meetings of external client organisations to give legal advice as necessary.
9. Drafting and/or advising on Council, Committees and Executive reports and minutes.
10. The preparation and presentation of appropriate training.
11. Monitoring legislation and case law developments and advising the Council and Directorates and clients accordingly.

Applicants must have:

1. Knowledge of Local Government law areas.
2. Expertise in law in some of the main subject areas of responsibility e.g., regeneration projects, large scale infrastructure development, construction projects, joint ventures/partnerships and other commercial transactions and associated litigation
3. Knowledge of local government and administrative structures
4. Extensive post qualification experience of providing legal advice support and representation in a local government context
5. Experience of managing a team of staff.
6. Substantial advocacy experience in courts, tribunals, or inquiries.
7. Working in a corporate and political context.
8. Attendance at committees to report and advise

If you have any questions about this role or wish to apply, please contact isobel@deekay.co.uk who will respond at the earliest convenience.