Are you a seasoned legal professional ready to make an impact? We’re seeking a Senior Legal Advisor to join our team, offering high-quality and solution-focused legal services to the Council, schools, and other clients. In this pivotal role, you’ll specialize in two key areas of law: Major Projects, Complex Litigation, or Governance, while also providing advice on other matters affecting local authorities.

As a Senior Legal Advisor, you’ll handle a full caseload of complex and sensitive legal matters within your specialisms. You’ll deliver proactive and solution-oriented advice that supports the Council’s priorities and policies. In addition, you’ll play a vital role in managing and developing lawyers and other team members, ensuring the delivery of high-quality and cost-effective legal services.

Your responsibilities will include advising on public and local government law, including executive and committee decision-making, information governance, and public law challenges. You’ll represent the Council on high-profile legal matters, advising members and formal committees. Additionally, you’ll support the Executive Director of Corporate Services in their monitoring officer role, promoting the Nolan Principles, and escalating matters when necessary.

You’ll also commission external legal work where required, ensuring value for money and high standards of service. Alongside this, you’ll contribute to the development of legal procedures and policies, participate in key projects and programs, and support the Assistant Director of Legal & Governance and Head of Legal Services in delivering value for money and income generation.

This role requires leadership capabilities, as you’ll supervise and manage team members, trainees, and apprentices while embedding diversity, inclusion, and non-discriminatory practices into the team’s culture. You’ll also oversee budget and financial responsibilities, ensuring resources are managed effectively, exploring funding opportunities, and achieving efficiencies.
 
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.

Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.

This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough. 
 
At Thurrock Council, we value excellence, innovation, and inclusion. In this role, you'll enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, along with the opportunity to make a tangible impact on local governance and community outcomes. You’ll work in a supportive environment where your professional growth is nurtured, and your contributions are celebrated. 
 
Our location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.

We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.

Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.

Staff benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council

Step into a leadership role that challenges, inspires, and rewards. Your expertise and vision can drive meaningful change. Take the next step in your career with us.
 
For an informal discussion please contact Delina Teklehaymanot at Delina.Teklehaymanot@penna.com or contact Delina on 07752 791 517 for further information.

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.

Closing date: Sunday, 9 February 2025

Interview Date: W/C 3rd March 2025