Careers

The Company Sec in local government

As commercialisation grows, Azhar Ghose outlines the increasing importance of the Company Secretary role within local authorities and offers some tips on how it can be performed. Read more

Sep 11, 2020

Shadow authorities for new Northamptonshire unitaries name prospective directors of legal

The two shadow authorities for the new Northamptonshire unitaries have named the recommended candidates for the roles of director of legal.

Sep 11, 2020

Six new High Court judges appointed, with another ten on the way

The former director general of the Attorney General’s Office, Rowena Collins Rice, and barristers from 11KBW and Kings Chambers are among six new Justices of the High Court.

Sep 09, 2020

Head of Government Legal Department stands down amid reports of unhappiness at re-writing of Withdrawal Agreement

The Treasury Solicitor and Permanent Secretary of the Government Legal Department, Sir Jonathan Jones, has resigned.

Sep 07, 2020

Cumbria County Council legal team and Swansea Council solicitor shortlisted for Law Society Excellence Awards

Cumbria County Council has been shortlisted in the Excellence – In-House category for this year’s Law Society Excellence Awards.

Aug 13, 2020

Bevan Brittan promotes three to partner in promotions round

Law firm Bevan Brittan has promoted three lawyers to partner in its latest promotions round.

Jul 28, 2020

SRA to change approach to assessment in bid to ensure high standards in solicitor advocacy

The Solicitors Regulation Authority is to make changes to how Higher Rights of Audience (HRA) assessments operate as part of measures designed to ensure high levels of advocacy among solicitors.

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Taking the Diploma

Rob Hann reflects on how studying for the Law Society's Diploma in Local Government Law and Practice became a pivotal moment in his long and varied local government career.

COVID-19 Weekly Brief: Financial management in uncertain times

The current difficulties around the economy and employment resulting from the coronavirus outbreak highlight the importance of getting a grip on your finances, managing your money well and saving for that 'rainy day', says Richard Olive in this instalment of LLG's COVID-19 Weekly Brief.

Local authority legal practice during COVID-19

What is it like working in local authority legal practice during the coronavirus pandemic? Matthew Dineen explains.

In the beginning…

Rob Hann, local government lawyer and author, finds time during the Covid 19 lockdown to share some of his early experiences as a trainee lawyer at Sheffield City Council at a time of major conflict between central/local government.

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The Legal Department of the Future

Bridging the gap

The Legal Department of the Future survey reveals that local government legal teams are employing a range of strategies as they face up to a challenging combination of increased workloads and severe pressure on resources. Philip Hoult reports.

Can’t get no satisfaction?

What effect have the cuts had on local government lawyers’ ambitions and morale? Derek Bedlow looks at the results of our exclusive survey of more than 300 local government lawyers and assesses the implications for local authority legal teams.

The shape of things to come

Derek Bedlow looks at the implications of the Legal Department of the Future survey for how legal departments organise, recruit and retain their staff.

Lead or follow?

A short guide to shared legal services

Up for the challenge?

Improving internal efficiency

The way ahead

Book Review: The Approved Mental Health Professional Practice Handbook

This handbook provides in-depth guidance on all key aspects of being an Approved Mental Health Professional and considers the ethical challenges involved in the role. Alex Ruck Keene gives his thoughts on the text.

Manchester on Alcohol & Entertainment Law

Professor Roy Light reviews the 4th edition of Manchester on Alcohol and Entertainment Law. Woods Whur Publishing, Leeds. £115 soft cover.

Book Review: Button on Taxis

After an eight-year gap there is a new edition of Button on Taxis. Professor Roy Light reviews the publication and the changes made.

Book Review: Cornerstone on the Planning Court

The law moves on with increasing speed nowadays, one significant recent development being the creation of the Planning Court in April 2014. That is already two years ago now, so Cornerstone obviously felt the time was right to start putting together…

Book Review: Paterson’s Licensing Acts 2016

James Paterson, who introduced the work and authored the first ten editions, could never have foreseen that his book would be going strong 114 editions later; or that it would have an editor-in-chief, three general editors and a consulting editor;…

Jul 28, 2020

Lawyer recommended for interim chief executive position at Torbay Council

Solicitor Anne-Marie Bond has been recommended for the role of interim Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service at Torbay Council until a formal permanent recruitment process can commence later in the year.

Jul 21, 2020

Choudhury takes up Deputy Director of Legal and Governance role at One Source

Abdus Choudhury has joined One Source, the legal service for Newham and Havering Councils, as Deputy Director of Legal and Governance.

Jul 20, 2020

Lawyer takes up new Managing Director role at district council

Solicitor Anthony Roche has this month (18 July) become Managing Director for North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC).

Jul 10, 2020

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council names Susan Zeiss as Monitoring Officer

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has announced it is to appoint Susan Zeiss as Monitoring Officer in the autumn of this year.

Jul 10, 2020

Former UK Supreme Court Justice Lord Carnwath joins Landmark Chambers

Landmark Chambers has announced that Lord Carnwath of Notting Hill is to join Chambers as an Associate Member, as from 1 September 2020.

Jul 03, 2020

Financial & Commercial Litigation Team at Brent wins ‘Legal Team of the Year’

The Financial & Commercial Litigation Team at Brent Council was named ‘Legal Team of the Year’ at the LLG Virtual Awards 2020, which were held last night.

Being a legal locum in local government

An increasing number of legal professionals are becoming locums. Rayhaneh Tehrani and Laura Smith explain the reasons why this is the case, and set out what they think candidates should consider when looking for jobs in local government.

Making the right choice

Jennifer Mellani writes about her journey to being a local government lawyer specialising in health and social care.

Firm foundations

Are you intrigued about working in local government but hesitant to take the plunge? Real estate lawyer Matthew Dineen explains how he overcame his initial doubts and never looked back.

Home truths

What is it like to work as an in-house solicitor for a registered provider for social housing or housing association? Radian’s Scott Greenwood sets out the attraction and advantages, how the sector differs from private practice and how the transition can be made by those who may be considering a move.

A chance to make a difference

Hesitant about taking on management responsibilities? V. Charles Ward explains how it gave a real boost to his career, and gives some pointers for those taking their first steps.

A mentally healthy workplace

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Yasmin Allan considers the legal and practical issues linked to the employee wellbeing agenda.

Legal apprenticeships: getting started

One of the great privileges of working with local authorities to deliver apprenticeships is observing the different approaches legal departments take to deploying and developing apprentice staff, writes Noel Inge.

The Company Sec in local government

As commercialisation grows, Azhar Ghose outlines the increasing importance of the Company Secretary role within local authorities and offers some tips on how it can be performed.

Personal philosophies

Chris Guy, a former local authority head of legal, sets out how he tried to overcome his weaknesses.

Aiming for the top

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How should you go about securing the position of head of legal at a local authority? Chris Guy shares some thoughts.

Creative or secure?

Good relationships between lawyers and clients allow for more risk and more creativity which ultimately adds more value all round, writes Geoff Wild.

A Spring in your career step....

Lawyers in Local Government is looking for talented lawyers to get involved in its special activity areas. Nicholas Dobson explains how this can boost your career.