About this role

Legal Practice Manager

Salary

£45,529 – £50,908 per annum

Directorate

Legal & Governance

Reports to

General Counsel

Grade

F16

Politically Restricted

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is building a new organisation with an ambitious vision for the region, making the East Midlands more prosperous, sustainable and fairer, while creating opportunities for people and businesses.

Our Legal Services function plays a critical role in supporting that ambition, providing trusted advice, strong governance and effective legal support across the Authority.

We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Legal Practice Manager to help shape and lead the operational management of our Legal Services function.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who understands what makes a high-performing legal practice work effectively behind the scenes, from systems, processes and performance to financial management, technology, governance and people.

The role

Working closely with the General Counsel, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Legal Services function, ensuring the service operates efficiently, effectively and in line with professional, statutory and organisational requirements.

You'll be responsible for developing modern practice management approaches, improving processes and systems, supporting performance and financial management, and ensuring the legal team has the infrastructure and resources it needs to deliver an excellent service.

A key part of the role will be acting as the strategic owner of the Legal Services Case Management system, alongside critical document and data storage. You'll ensure these systems are used effectively, continuously improved and managed in accordance with information governance, data protection and statutory requirements.

You'll also work collaboratively across Legal, Governance and Information Governance, as well as with practice managers and equivalent roles across the region, to share learning, harmonise processes and embed best practice.

What you'll be doing

Your responsibilities will include

• Providing comprehensive operational oversight of the Legal Services function, ensuring effective administrative, financial, governance and operational arrangements.

• Developing and implementing innovative practice management approaches that improve efficiency, resilience and service quality.

• Acting as the strategic owner of the Legal Services Case Management system, ensuring optimal utilisation, continuous improvement and compliance.

• Overseeing critical legal documents and data, ensuring appropriate storage, access, retention, confidentiality and information governance.

• Developing and improving systems, processes, procedures, templates and reporting arrangements across Legal Services.

• Working with colleagues across Legal, Governance and Information Governance to harmonise ways of working where this improves consistency, compliance and service delivery.

• Leading compliance activity and proactively identifying and mitigating legal, regulatory and operational risks.

• Providing expert procedural and operational advice to the legal team and senior managers.

• Using data, performance information and management reporting to identify trends, drive improvement and support informed decision-making.

• Monitoring expenditure, income, forecasts, commitments and financial risks, supporting the budget holder to maintain a cost-effective and sustainable service.

• Identifying and escalating financial, operational and compliance issues, providing clear options and recommendations for action.

• Leading and developing the Practice Management Team, creating a positive, accountable and high-performing culture.

• Overseeing the legal team's IT resources, including software and hardware, and working with internal and external providers to maximise the value of technology.

• Building effective regional networks with practice managers and equivalent operational leads to benchmark approaches, share learning and embed best practice.

• Supporting directorate-wide improvement initiatives across Legal, Governance and Information Governance.

• Managing and resolving complaints effectively and in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.

• Supporting procurement, contract management and supplier relationships.

• Developing and implementing policies, procedures and business processes that support the strategic priorities of Legal Services.

• Leading and supporting projects to agreed objectives, timescales and budgets.