Our legal team lies at the heart of our operations, guiding us through milestones like the triumphant delivery of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the exciting rollout of the new Deeper Devolution Deal, which promises us more control and resources from central government.
Whether it's leading the charge on our metro program to create vital links between people and opportunities, nurturing local communities through employment and skill-building initiatives, or even paving the way for new homes by unlocking brownfield sites, the range of projects you'll dive into with us is truly unmatched.
We're on the lookout for a Principal Lawyer, where you’ll lead your own team and build good working relationships with across multiple directorates, providing them with advice on all things Governance and Litigation to include comments on reports, judicial reviews, restart challenges and employment matters.
This role isn't just about legal jargon – it's about actively engaging with your team and providing them with support as they work across different sectors, advising colleagues, and ensuring we stay true to our legal and ethical compass. Join us, and let's make a real difference together.
What will you be doing?
- Consider, draft and provide advice on board/committee reports, briefing notes, business cases, advising as to appropriate legal implications concerning applicable vires and commercial matters.
- Ensure that WMCA’s overall Strategic vision, values and ethos are embedded to facilitate targeted efficient and effective legal service provision.
- Strategically support effective working relationships, acting as an ambassador and advocate within your Business Area as part of the trusted advisor role.
- Advise on the legitimacy of WMCA decision making process and through the interpretation of the CA’s legislation and powers, including its constitution.
- Undertake due diligence to protect the WMCA’s best interests and reputation.
- Maintain legal knowledge pertinent to all areas of expertise including monitoring the impact of legal policy across the specialist areas and local government/public sector.
- Provide risk analysis by managing and mitigating all legal risks to the WMCA or other adverse or reputational consequences.
- Work closely with colleagues at all levels of the organisation to provide relevant legal input, helping to inform strategic decision making, in respect of commercial/corporate areas of law.
- Assist the Mayor and Members in accordance with WMCA legislative powers where appropriate.
About you.
- Qualified Solicitor/ Barrister with current practicing certificate with significant PQE or demonstrable experience.
- Lead, Support and Build your team.
- Full understanding of legal risk management within the context of public sector corporate governance
- Comprehensive knowledge of the law affecting the WMCA and public sector organisations
- Awareness of Public Sector Policy environment and service improvement.
- Comprehensive knowledge of drafting, reviewing, negotiating and reporting on a wide range of commercial contracts with suppliers/sub-contractors relevant to the work area.
- Good knowledge and understanding of the legal and statutory environment within which public authority legal services are delivered including Commercial Law and Contracts, Procurement, Competition, State Aid, Information law, Employment Law, Public Sector Governance and compliance.
How to apply.
On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will first be prompted to create an account. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV, which will be used to auto-populate your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have applied. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to format your profile so that it really stands out. Make sure to include your employment history and include any essential education and qualifications. You will be asked to provide a supporting statement. If you already have one that you have prepared earlier, you can simply copy and paste this into the application form.
Applicants will need to evidence that they have the legal right to work in the UK. If we make an offer of employment, we will need to check that you are eligible to work in the UK before you start work.
Salary and benefits.
We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme, 28 days of paid annual leave, Cycle to Work Scheme, and discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers. For more details, please visit the benefits page on our careers site.
Location and working pattern – what you can expect.
The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 1 day a week spent in the office.
Creating an inclusive workplace.
West Midlands Combined Authority is dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.
About us.
Our vision is to create a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener, and healthier region. We aim to achieve this vision by living our values, which include being a partnership organisation, valuing and respecting our people, fostering a can-do attitude, and encouraging innovation. WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as "Leaders in Diversity," and has been recognized as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, committed to interviewing all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential role criteria. WMCA believes that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.
Reasonable adjustments.
If you have an accessibility requirement, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.
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