Solicitors are thrust into local spotlight by council work

Local government solicitors are likely to see both their profile and numbers rise owing to support from councils and increasing work, the new chairman of the Law Society's Local Government Group predicted last week.

Stephen Rickitt, principal solicitor at Northumberland County Council, said other professionals such as accountants have traditionally taken centre stage in local authorities, but a 'frightening' volume of complex legislation is causing councils to rely more and more on their lawyers.

'There is a growing recognition that the legal work we undertake is fundamental to a huge range of services the public gets, from waste management and housing to roads and the environment,' he explained.

'Our legal input is a key factor in the major decisions that are made.'

Mr Rickitt said there was a pressing need for more local government solicitors to deal with legislation, guidance and statutory instruments.

'We are going around like our tails are on fire all the time now,' he said.

'There used to be occasional periods when things would slow down, but not any more.

Last year alone, there were around 4,000 statutory instruments issued - it can be a headache.'

Paula Rohan