General Counsel & Deputy Monitoring Officer

East Midlands; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional government authority in the East Midlands is seeking a General Counsel & Deputy Monitoring Officer to lead a new legal team and provide strategic advice. The ideal candidate is a qualified lawyer with public law experience, capable of operating at a senior level and influencing decisions in a fast-evolving environment. This role offers a competitive salary up to £80,991.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with strong post-qualification experience in public law.
• Confident operating at senior level, with excellent judgement.
• Skilled at leading and building relationships across complex organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead a new in-house legal team of 12 professionals.
• Provide high level legal advice to senior leaders.
• Ensure EMCCA operates lawfully and transparently.

Skills

Public law expertise

Governance

Regulation

Leadership

Relationship building

Judgement

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister

Job description

General Counsel & Deputy Monitoring Officer

East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is the first mayoral combined county authority in the country – a bold new organisation established in 2024 to drive growth and opportunity across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham. By bringing decision-making closer to our region, we’re creating a better connected, more competitive and more prosperous East Midlands.

Base pay range

Shape the Future of the East Midlands – Join EMCCA’s New Legal Team up to £80,991 and market supplement may be available

This range is provided by East Midlands Combined County Authority. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

We’re building a brand new legal team with the potential to achieve something special. This is a unique opportunity to join at a formative stage, help design a legal service fit for the future, and play a key role in delivering our ambitious regional agenda – including our flagship Inclusive Growth programme.

About the role

We’re looking for a General Counsel (Deputy Monitoring Officer) to provide strategic legal leadership and ensure EMCCA operates lawfully, transparently and with integrity. Reporting to the Director of Legal, Governance and Compliance, you will:

• Lead a new in-house legal team of 12 professionals with an ambition to grow further
• Oversee external legal providers
• Provide high level legal advice to senior leaders

As Deputy Monitoring Officer, you will uphold high standards of decision-making and support EMCCA’s wider strategic ambitions.

This is a rare opportunity to shape governance and legal frameworks within a newly established Combined County Authority, working at the forefront of devolution in the East Midlands.

About you

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with strong post-qualification experience in public law, governance or regulation
• Confident operating at senior level, with excellent judgement and integrity
• Skilled at leading, influencing and building relationships across complex organisations
• Ready to thrive in a fast-evolving environment and shape a modern, high-performing legal service

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Legal

Industries

• Government Administration

We are actively seeking candidates and encourage expressions of interest from qualified professionals in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and surrounding areas.