Senior/Principal Lawyer – Commercial

£46,464 - £51,515
To take a lead on contracts and procurement matters, alongside other senior lawyers and colleagues.  The team covers a range of commercial matters and the ability to pick up other areas of work would be an advantage.
The Commercial Team has a focus on delivering specialist advice and representation in areas including:

•     Contracts and procurement
•     Commercial and company law
•     Purchase and sale of land
•     Development
•     Council house sales / right to buy
•     Other conveyancing and land transactions
•     Highways and Road Traffic matters
•     Town and Country Planning
•     Local land charges

In 2023 our legal team grew and we now have an opportunity available for experienced lawyers committed to supporting the services within North Tyneside Council.
This vacancy would be suitable for qualified lawyers with relevant experience who would work alongside the legal managers and other senior lawyers to provide assistance in the supervision of the work of the team and the provision of support to colleagues, including supervising and mentoring junior staff.
The posts would suit those with supervisory experience or those wishing to take the next step in their career.
A comprehensive induction programme will be given to new colleagues including any additional support for those wishing to make a move from the private to public sector.
We will be accepting CVs and interviews will take place on a rolling basis until candidates are appointed.
If you would like to arrange an informal conversation about working for Legal Services at North Tyneside Council please get in touch (contact details can be found below).
For this role, you would:

• act as a professional within the Legal Team and within your specialist areas of work, advising upon complex legal and policy matters, providing support to the Legal Team Manager and guidance and assisting with supervision of staff within the team.
• develop and maintain specialist knowledge and skills in the areas covered by the team, including undertaking advocacy in appropriate cases.
• provide advice and support on the Authority’s policy development in those areas to ensure that best practice, legislation, case law and ombudsman decisions are taken into account and appropriately reflected.
• provide of training and legal updates to council officers, elected members and others as appropriate.

Our Team Ethos
We are committed to providing excellent public service and making a difference within our local community and region.
We provide a supportive environment for the development and maintenance of your professional skills and career at all stages. We have a number of trainee and solicitor apprentices successfully working towards qualification and can also offer apprenticeship opportunities at higher level for qualified staff.
You will have access to a webinar training resource covering a range of legal areas. You will also have access to the Newcastle Law Society and Lawyers in Local Government membership and the networking and training opportunities they provide.
Hybrid working and flexible working options are available.  It’s usually what you do, not where and when you do it that matters! We offer a modern, open plan working environment with opportunities to use technology to work in a flexible and agile way.
Our extensive law library is fully available to you on-line.
We have a strong culture of teamwork and there are always opportunities to widen your knowledge and experience by getting involved in projects and novel queries.
Our Team Structure
The Legal Services Team is made up of 4 teams: (1) Legal Practice Team; (2) Commercial; (3) Safeguarding; and (4) Regulatory.  The Practice Team is newly created to provide an administrative and supportive ‘hub’ for the legal teams.
Why North Tyneside Council?
Located in the heart of north east England, North Tyneside is a dynamic and exciting place to live, work and visit and is part of the North East Combined Authority.
It includes four towns, North Shields, Whitley Bay, Killingworth and Wallsend and has a population of 205,000. We have an outstanding coastline with award winning beaches that drive our visitor economy with Whitley Bay recently announced as the best place to live in the North East (The Sunday Times 2023).
We are an ambitious local authority that listens to, cares for and represents our residents in everything we do. We have vibrant communities, a strong heritage and bright future.
We will strive to make you feel valued from the moment you join us. We have a comprehensive induction process and an experienced and approachable team to ensure you are supported in your role from day one.
In return for your valuable contribution you will have access to our excellent benefits package:
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (for contracts of 3 months or more)
• A supportive Occupational Sick Pay scheme
• A generous annual leave allowance, which increases with service, plus bank holidays
• Annual pay increments up to the top of the salary grade
• A range of flexible working and leave options, including part-time working, to support work/life balance (subject to business requirements)
• Access to Occupational Health services including physiotherapy and counselling
• Our Employee Assistance Programme which includes a telephone helpline and extensive online resources for support and advice
• Extensive training and development opportunities including access to our Learning Pool online platform
• Supported career progression
• Discounted membership of our Leisure Centres including 5 gyms; 4 pools; 1 spas and over 250 classes every week
• The ‘Benefits Plus’ Scheme enabling salary sacrifice for Car Leasing; Cycle to Work Scheme; additional annual leave, public transport season tickets, and professional subscriptions
• Credit Union Savings Scheme
Further information about eligibility can be found on our Benefits and Rewards page on North East Jobs.
If you would like to be part of our team and are committed to providing excellent legal services in these vital areas of work, we look forward to hearing from you.
For more information, please see the attached job description or for an informal discussion please contact:

• Louise Watson, Senior Manager Legal and Registration Services:  0191 643 5325; louise.watson@northtyneside.gov.uk
• Jamie Hall, Legal Manager - Commercial: 0191 643 5357; jamie.hall@northtyneside.gov.uk.

North Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and adults at risk of harm. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment and to familiarise themselves with all relevant policies, procedures and guidance.  Within North Tyneside, safeguarding is everybody’s business.
For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply button below.
Closing date: 7th February, 2024