Head of Legal Services

Lawyers In Local Government; Horsham; On-site; GBP 84,000 - 105,000

Job description

Are you ready for an adventure? Would you like to walk to work in a unique, vibrant and diverse community in a stunning natural environment? If so, travel to the South Atlantic and join our friendly team of experienced legal professionals and the five different types of penguins in the beautiful Falkland Islands. Holiday on the islands, in nearby South America or join an adventure cruise.

The Role – Head of Legal Services for the Falkland Islands Government

The Attorney General of the Falkland Islands and of the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands seeks an experienced lawyer and manager to be their Head of Legal Services and lead the Government Legal Services team of 6 lawyers, an Equalities Policy Officer, and 3 support staff based in Stanley in the Falkland Islands. You will manage the team and carry out a wide range of legal and governance work which is likely to include providing legal advice on a wide range of matters which may include public law and human rights, contracts and commercial, communications, customs and immigration, maritime and shipping, aviation, civil liability, employment, child and adult safeguarding, criminal and police, property and planning, environment, agricultural, mineral, and licensing. You will provide legal and equalities and human rights comments on decision making reports and draft policies, conduct some litigation, and have the conduct of some potentially controversial and high profile and politically sensitive matters. You will advise senior officers and both members of the Executive Council (equivalent to Cabinet) and members of the Legislative Assembly of the Falklands Islands. You will deputise for the Attorney General in his absence, attending meetings of the Corporate Management Team, Executive Council and the Legislative Assembly and their Committees as necessary.

The Person

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and proactive individual to lead our busy legal services team. You will be a good communicator and demonstrate sound judgement. A good understanding of and an interest in public law and governance is essential as is broad based knowledge of and/or experience in other areas of the law. You will also demonstrate leadership and people and service management experience. You will work closely with all departments across Government and represent the Government in committees, other meetings and functions as a lawyer. This role is at the centre of Government and you will help shape future policy and legislation.

Core Requirements

• Educated to Degree standard (or equivalent).
• Admitted as a solicitor or called as a barrister in the UK, another Commonwealth country or the Republic of Ireland.
• Qualified UK or Commonwealth Solicitor or Barrister with a minimum of seven years post qualification broad based experience to include experience of the provision of legal advice to national or local government or another public service.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation and precedent.
• Ability to establish credibility and earn the respect of others (including other professionals, Members of the Legislative Assembly and the general public) through depth of knowledge.
• Excellent analytical, reasoning, and decision-making skills, and attention to detail.

The Package

• Initial up to 4 Years Fixed Term Contract, with potential for extension by mutual agreement.
• Starting Salary £84,871 - £104,748 (depending on qualifications and experience).
• Eligibility for a 25% Gratuity, paid upon successful completion of the contract.
• 30 Days’ Annual Leave, plus government and public holidays (totalling 41 days’ leave) with the option to buy up to an additional two weeks annual leave.
• Relocation Allowance to help with moving costs.
• Flights Package for you and your dependants, including mid-term return flight home.
• Government Housing for rent and a starter pack to help you get settled in.

The Place

Stanley is a community of around 3000 people, where there is a choice of cafes, restaurants and shops. We have a small modern cinema which shows current films, schools, a library and a leisure centre with a 25m pool. There are lots of wide open spaces, wonderful walks, good wildlife and bird spotting opportunities.

How To Apply

For more information and to apply online, please visit www.jobs.gov.fk

For an informal discussion about the role and moving to the Falkland Islands, please contact Simon Young the Attorney General at [e-mail] or Davina Fiore, Head of Legal Services at [e-mail]. Please note the Falklands Islands are currently three hours behind the UK (this will be four hours from 30th March 2025) and office hours are usually 8am to 4.30pm.

Closing date for applications is 2nd May 2025.