Senior Solicitor (Governance)

3 Month Contract With A local Authority

The Senior Solicitor (Governance) will provide expert legal advice and guidance on governance, constitutional, and local government law matters. Supporting the Monitoring Officer, Deputy Monitoring Officer, and senior colleagues, the role will ensure lawful decision-making, promote good governance, and provide specialist legal support to Council committees, Democratic Services, and maintained schools.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice to the Monitoring Officer, Deputy Monitoring Officer, and Council officers on governance and constitutional matters.
  
• Advise Full Council, committees, and elected Members to ensure lawful decision-making and compliance with statutory requirements.
  
• Support the handling and investigation of Member Code of Conduct complaints and provide legal advice relating to the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Panel.
  
• Provide management oversight of legal advice delivered to maintained schools and support the provision of ad hoc education law advice.
  
• Deliver governance and constitutional advice to the Corporate and Environmental Law team and Democratic Services.
  
• Interpret and apply relevant legislation, case law, and local government regulations to provide practical legal solutions.
  
• Prepare and review legal documentation, reports, and governance-related advice for senior stakeholders.
  
• Build effective working relationships with Members, senior officers, and external partners to support the delivery of high-quality legal services.
  
• Ensure legal advice reflects current legislation, best practice, and the Council's governance framework.
  
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal services and governance processes.
  

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate (or equivalent eligibility to practise).
  
• Significant experience providing governance and constitutional law advice within a local government environment.
  
• Strong knowledge of local government law, committee procedures, and governance frameworks.
  
• Experience advising senior officers, elected Members, committees, and Full Council.
  
• Experience handling Member Code of Conduct matters and governance-related legal issues.
  
• Experience overseeing legal advice provided to maintained schools is desirable.
  
• Excellent legal drafting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to provide clear, practical legal advice.
  
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and work effectively under pressure.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Nottinghamshire - Hybrid working (Council offices as required).
  
• Hours: 37 hours per week.
  
• Payment: Bi-weekly.