Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£81,207 per annum

About the Role
Following a recent reorganisation, exciting opportunities have arisen within Legal Services for dedicated and enthusiastic Heads of Legal in the areas of Children’s and Adults, Employment and Corporate Services, Planning, Property and Contracts. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for public service, this could be your next career step.

We are looking for a dynamic and strategic legal professional to join our high-performing in-house team as Head of Legal Services. You will lead the delivery of all services within your area of responsibility, managing, influencing, and directing employees and budgets in accordance with the Council’s policies, procedures, and performance management framework to achieve service and corporate objectives.

Your key responsibilities will include managing and monitoring performance against agreed targets, providing timely and relevant legal advice to senior officers and elected members, contributing to the review and updating of the Council’s Constitution, and supporting governance matters to ensure efficient administration of Council meetings and decision-making processes. You will work collaboratively with client departments, contribute to budget and target setting, and actively seek innovative ways to deliver high-quality, value-for-money services.

As a positive leader, you will motivate and empower the Legal Services Management Team, deputise for the Monitoring Officer, act as an advocate for the Council in courts and tribunals, scrutinise legal implications of reports, and represent the Director of Law and Governance at relevant meetings. You will work corporately and collaboratively within Resources and with Senior Council Managers and Members, carrying out duties commensurate with the role’s grading.

Islington Council is committed to challenging inequality and creating a more equal borough. We live by our CARE values: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering, which guide us in delivering excellent public service.

Experience
Proven experience as a strategic legal professional with the ability to lead and manage legal services effectively. Experience in providing high-quality legal advice in a public sector or local government environment is highly desirable. Demonstrable experience in governance, constitutional matters, and advocacy in courts or tribunals is essential.

About you
You are a dynamic, motivated, and collaborative leader with strong integrity and a clear sense of purpose. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about public service and delivering value for money. You have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and work effectively with senior officers, elected members, and diverse stakeholders. You are committed to equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion and embody the Council’s CARE values.

Qualifications
Qualified solicitor or equivalent legal qualification. Relevant professional qualifications and continuous professional development in legal practice and leadership are expected.