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Head of Legal - Public Services
Job Posted: 7 hours ago
Salary: £ 70,000 - 75,000 / Annum
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Brighton, Brighton and Hove
Expire in: a month
Job Description
We’re working with a major public services organisation that is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Legal Services to join their team in Brighton, East Sussex.
The role offers 3 days of hybrid working, with only 2 days per week required in office.
This is a senior position offering a broad and strategic remit across governance, compliance, and legal risk management.
The successful candidate will act as the organisation’s principal legal adviser, supporting the executive leadership team, senior management, and the governing board on all legal and governance matters. This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior solicitor who enjoys combining high-level advisory work with hands-on leadership and strategic influence within a complex, values-driven environment.
The Role
• Provide expert legal advice to the Chief Executive, Chair, and senior stakeholders across the full spectrum of legal and regulatory matters relevant to a large public body.
• Oversee a broad portfolio including public law, commercial contracts, employment, governance, property, equality, intellectual property, data protection, and information law.
• Lead on the drafting, negotiation, and review of key contracts, agreements, and policies ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
• Manage relationships with external solicitors and counsel, ensuring value for money and alignment with organisational priorities.
• Oversee governance arrangements and act as Deputy to the Board Secretary, ensuring smooth operation of the Board and supporting governors in their fiduciary duties.
• Advise on key compliance areas including Freedom of Information, Data Protection, safeguarding, and Prevent duties.
• Lead the organisation’s response to student or service-user complaints and regulatory reviews.
• Work closely with senior colleagues to shape policy, deliver organisational strategy, and support high-quality decision-making.
About You
We’re looking for a qualified solicitor with significant post-qualification experience gained either in a reputable law firm or in-house within a public, charitable, or regulatory organisation.
• A strong track record advising senior stakeholders on a broad range of legal issues.
• Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills with a pragmatic and solutions-focused approach.
• Experience leading or managing a legal function and supporting executive decision-making.
• High levels of integrity, diplomacy, and sound judgement, with the confidence to influence at Board level.
• A deep understanding of governance and regulatory compliance in a complex public or not-for-profit environment.
The Offer
• Senior leadership role within a respected public-service organisation.
• Large amount of holiday
• Generous public-sector pension
• Hybrid working model with 2 days per week in office.
• Salary competitive at senior management level
• Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of the organisation’s legal and governance framework.
Should you have any questions or wish to apply please do not hesitate to contact Clear Legal and Financial Recruitment.
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