Legal Manager

We are looking to recruit an experienced solicitor and legal team leader to join the recently formed People Team within the Council’s Legal Services.

The People Team is the largest team in Legal Services. It currently provides legal support to the Council in these areas.

Safeguarding – adults and children, including Court of Protection and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
Coronial law
Education
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Education and SEND work has recently moved into the team. Prior to this the team carried out purely safeguarding work. The intention is that the People Team will carry out a broader scope of legal work to include other people focussed work.

Organisation Cheshire West and Chester Council
Location Chester
Job Category Legal and Governance
Grade CWAC NJC – Grade 12
Salary Min £56,807 per annum
Salary Max £64,850 per annum
Hours per week 37
Weeks per year 52.143
Employment Type Permanent
Closing Date 23/11/2026
Ref No W4889

Documents

Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive – through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment.

Knowledge of law, legal proceedings, policies, procedures and practices related to safeguarding is essential as this is the core work of the People Team.

The legal manager will…

– Provide legal and procedural work and advice appropriate to this level in the Service.

– Allocate work effectively and ensure workloads are managed efficiently to deliver value for money.

– Directly supervise or undertake any of the more complex areas of work as required, including advice on policy and strategy to ensure the Council meets its legal responsibilities and decisions are taken on a sound legal basis.

– Ensure the cost‑effective use of any external legal support.

– Participate in project teams to support the delivery of high‑quality legal advice and services as may be assigned by the Senior Legal Manager or Head of Legal.

– Deputise for the Senior Legal Manager and the Head of Legal when required.

– Identify, research and share the implications of legal developments to support timely and informed service delivery.

– Supervise staff to ensure the provision of timely and efficient legal services to the Council.

– Prepare and contribute to reports for Cabinet, Committees, Boards and Panels, and attend meetings as appropriate.

– Ensure casework meets relevant legislation, court requirements/expectations and professional standards.

– Undertake advocacy, with a focus on Family Court proceedings.

– Support the delivery of client service objectives, ensuring accurate and timely implementation of Council policies and decisions.

For an informal chat about the role please feel free to contact Mina Moghaddam at mina.moghaddam@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

To find out more information about what it is like to work for Cheshire West and Chester Council including our rewards and benefits please see www.cwcrecruitment.co.uk

To apply please visit: https://jobs.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/vacancy/legal-manager-621427.html

Candidates may use AI tools to support proofreading, editing and presentation. However, all application materials should represent the candidate’s own experience, perspectives and thinking. We are seeking original and authentic responses, and applicants should ensure that any submission reflects their own analysis, judgement and vision for the role. No candidate will meet every single requirement – if your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you!

Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment. Please see the Equality Policy for more information.

Cheshire West and Chester Council have adopted a Local Living Wage for our employees which means that all employees will receive a minimum of £13.45 per hour for all contracted hours.

For any technical enquiries please email Sourcingteam@ecwip.co.uk and quote job reference number in all correspondence.