Senior Solicitor (Governance)

Full-time permanent role based at County Hall, Nottingham NG2 7QP.

About the role

Join our Legal Services team as a Senior Solicitor (Governance) and support effective decision-making across Nottinghamshire County Council. In this role, you will work closely with the Monitoring Officer, Democratic Services, senior officers, and elected members to provide high-quality legal advice on governance, constitutional, and public law matters, ensuring the Council's governance arrangements and decision-making processes are lawful, robust, and effective.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the team during a time of evolution in local government, handling a varied governance caseload and contributing to governance and constitutional matters arising from sector changes, including Local Government Reorganisation.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on constitutional matters, standards, and ethical governance.
• Support committees and formal decision-making bodies.
• Manage member code of conduct complaints and police and crime panel complaints.
• Oversee the delivery of legal advice and support to schools and information governance.
• Manage a small team of legal professionals, supervising and supporting colleagues.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the service.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with substantial experience in local government or public sector legal practice.
• Proven track record in:
  • Advising on governance, constitutional, and public law matters.
  • Supporting Monitoring Officers, senior officers, and elected members.
  • Managing complex and politically sensitive legal issues.
  • Building effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Supervising, mentoring, or supporting colleagues.

Skills

• Demonstrates a commitment to good governance and ethical practices.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with diverse audiences.
• Works collaboratively within a team and across departments.
• Adapts to changing circumstances and remains resilient under pressure.
• Shows initiative and takes responsibility for delivering results.
• Good caseload management skills.

About You

We are looking for an experienced governance lawyer who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about supporting the Council’s mission. This role offers the chance to work on matters central to the Council's operations, closely collaborating with senior decision-makers to ensure lawful and effective governance.