Location
London Borough of Islington

Hours
Full Time - 35 hours per week

Salary
£69,660 per annum

About the Role
Following a recent reorganisation, exciting opportunities have arisen within Legal Services for a dedicated, enthusiastic Lead Advocacy Lawyer in the Children’s and Adults Legal team. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for public service, this could be your next career step.

As a dynamic and strategic legal professional, you will assist in leading the delivery of the service within your area of responsibility, in accordance with the Council’s policies, procedures, and performance framework to achieve service and corporate objectives. You will provide expert legal advice and represent the local authority in court on complex matters and governance.

You will report to the Head of Legal on performance levels and action plans for improvement. Key duties include ensuring the provision of appropriate, intelligent, relevant, and timely advice to senior officers and elected members; working collaboratively with client departments to address service delivery issues; evaluating information from client departments, forward plans, and legislative changes to steer service delivery; contributing to budget and target setting; and supporting effective financial management.

You will actively consider innovative ways to deliver high-quality, value-for-money services that support the Council’s wider corporate plan. You will deputise for the Head of Legal and act as an advocate on behalf of the Council where appropriate. Additional responsibilities include scrutinising and preparing legal implications for reports to the Council and its committees, attending relevant meetings to provide legal advice, and working collaboratively within Law and Governance and with senior Council managers and members.

You may also be required to carry out duties elsewhere in Law and Governance commensurate with the grading of the post.

Working for our Organisation
You will be part of the legal services department responsible for managing a team dealing with all aspects of disrepair law, associated advice, and disputes.

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council, we are committed to challenging inequality and creating a more equal borough where everyone has an equal chance to thrive. Our values—collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering—guide everything we do and reflect what public service is all about.

We offer up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service; flexible working arrangements; a 35-hour working week; learning and development opportunities; competitive pay with a commitment to the London Living Wage; an excellent local government pension scheme; Cycle to Work scheme; discounted gym memberships; and local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation and actively promote equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Pre-Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to successful completion of required pre-employment checks, which may include proof of address, evidence of name changes (if applicable), right to work in the UK, overseas criminal record check (if applicable), satisfactory references, occupational health clearance, evidence of professional qualifications or registrations, and DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable).

Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and require a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Experience
Proven experience as a legal professional with expertise in advocacy, particularly in children’s and adults legal matters. Experience in leading legal teams and providing expert legal advice and representation in complex cases is essential.

About You
You are a dynamic, strategic, and enthusiastic legal professional who thrives in a fast-paced public service environment. You demonstrate strong collaborative skills, resourcefulness, and ambition. You are committed to equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion and embody the Council’s CARE values: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering.

Qualifications
Qualified solicitor or barrister with relevant legal qualifications and professional registrations. Evidence of continuous professional development and commitment to maintaining high standards of legal practice is required.