Head of Legal Services - Corporate & Governance

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide strategic leadership and management of the Corporate & Governance legal function, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, effective, and client-focused legal services across the Council and its wholly owned companies. The postholder will provide expert legal advice to senior officers, elected members, and stakeholders, support corporate governance and decision-making processes, manage legal risk, and contribute to the overall leadership and development of the Legal Services Directorate. The role includes deputising for the Director of Legal and Democratic Services and undertaking Deputy Monitoring Officer responsibilities when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Corporate & Governance legal team, ensuring the delivery of efficient, high-quality legal services.
  
• Deputise for the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, including undertaking Deputy Monitoring Officer duties as required.
  
• Provide strategic legal advice to senior officers, elected members, committees, and Council-owned companies.
  
• Oversee the provision of legal support across areas including commercial, environmental, planning, highways, governance, and constitutional matters.
  
• Draft and review Cabinet, Committee, and governance reports, ensuring legal compliance and effective decision-making.
  
• Identify, assess, and manage legal risks affecting the Council and its interests.
  
• Monitor developments in legislation, case law, and regulatory requirements, ensuring stakeholders are appropriately informed.
  
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments, external partners, legal professionals, and key stakeholders.
  
• Manage budgets, external legal expenditure, and resources to ensure value for money and service efficiency.
  
• Ensure legal work is delivered to high professional standards and in accordance with regulatory and governance requirements.
  
• Lead, motivate, coach, and develop team members through performance management and professional development activities.
  
• Promote a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, accountability, and excellent client service.
  
• Support directorate-wide initiatives and contribute to the strategic development of Legal Services.
  
• Ensure compliance with Council policies, procedures, safeguarding responsibilities, and corporate objectives.
  
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the seniority and responsibilities of the role.
  

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate where applicable.
  
• Significant post-qualification experience within Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Planning Law, Highways Law, or a closely related legal discipline.
  
• Extensive experience providing complex and strategic legal advice within local government, the public sector, or a similarly complex organisation.
  
• Strong understanding of local authority governance, constitutional law, and regulatory frameworks.
  
• Experience advising senior leaders, elected members, boards, and external stakeholders.
  
• Proven experience leading, managing, and developing legal teams while maintaining responsibility for a complex caseload.
  
• Excellent knowledge of legal risk management and the ability to provide practical, solution-focused advice.
  
• Strong report writing, drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
  
• Experience managing budgets and external legal spend effectively.
  
• Excellent communication, leadership, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Experience using legal document management and case management systems.
  
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle for business travel.
  
• Ability to work flexibly, including attendance at meetings outside normal office hours when required.
  
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and the delivery of excellent public services.
  

Additional Information

• Hours per Week: 37 Hours
  
• Location: Halton Borough Council, Hybrid Working
  
• Bi-Weekly Payments