3 months contract with local authority

• Oversee and develop Legal Services, including deputizing for the Director of Law and Governance as needed
  
• Manage the Legal Services budget, monitor and report on expenditures, and strive for cost-effective service delivery
  
• Provide high-quality legal advice and professional work to Council Directors and their directorates
  
• Ensure timely, effective, and customer-focused legal advice that meets the needs of stakeholders and customers
  
• Develop, implement, and review the Legal Service improvement plan
  
• Build and lead an effective and resilient team, reviewing working methods and devising creative approaches to service development
  
• Support the discharge of statutory duties and responsibilities of the Monitoring Officer, promoting high standards of conduct across the Council
  
• Procure and act as the contract manager for external legal services and advice
  
• Act as the 'intelligent client' to enable better decision-making and ensure value for money through managing external legal expenditure
  
• Lead a broad range of legal functions within Legal Services, providing advice on critical, sensitive, and strategic statutory services
  
• Handle complex and high-profile legal issues, identifying effective solutions and establishing precedents
  
• Institute and defend civil and criminal proceedings on behalf of the Council, ensuring high-quality pre-court preparations
  
• Issue and receive legal notices on behalf of the Council
  
• Review and advise on new legislation, case law, and other legal developments
  
• Represent the services at relevant Committees and outside bodies, government bodies, and other agencies
  
• Provide advice and leadership to colleagues and support to Councillors as an integral member of the Law and Governance Management Team
  
• Manage resources and assets within the Legal service to meet corporate standards of performance
  
• Identify and promote new and innovative opportunities to develop the Legal service for the future
  
• Advise the Director of Law and Governance of all legal risks resulting from service client decision making, escalating concerns or issues in a timely manner
  
• Manage own professional development and stay up to date with relevant legislation, regulations, and Council policies and procedures
  
• Promote and implement all the Council's policies and procedures, including equalities and diversity, health and safety, security, and the use of personal data
  

• Proven experience in legal services management
  
• Strong leadership and team-building skills
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
  
• In-depth knowledge of statutory legislation and legal procedures
  
• Ability to handle complex legal issues and provide effective solutions
  
• Understanding of budget management and cost-effective service delivery
  
• Familiarity with relevant legislation, regulations, and Council