A legal career move from private practice to local government

The legal sector never stands still, and that means lots of legal professionals are changing direction too. For years, the traditional path in law was often one straight line – a specialism that was built upon for an entire career. But nowadays, we’re seeing an increasing number of legal experts evaluating what they truly want from their work.

Local government roles are becoming more sought after. Once misunderstood as the “slower” alternative to corporate law, moves across into public sector legal positions are increasingly popular. Whether driven by a desire for better work-life balance, a need for more meaningful work, or simply to step away from the relentless pressure of billing targets, the public sector is becoming a destination of choice for lots of strong legal candidates. 

In this guide, we explore the realities of moving from private practice to local government. We’ll break down the motivations behind the move, debunk common myths, and help you decide if this transition aligns with your professional and personal goals. 

Why legal professionals are making the move 

When we speak to candidates about why they’re considering leaving private practice, the conversation often starts with work-life balance. The private sector is typically associated with long hours and high-pressure environments. And while local government roles still come with plenty of hard work (more on that later), they generally offer a more structured environment where flexibility is a standard part of the culture – not just a perk. 

However, there are far more benefits to public sector legal work than just leaving the office on time. They include: 

Working with one client 

In private practice, you’re taking care of multiple clients, constantly juggling their competing demands. In a local authority, you effectively have just one client: the Council itself (and by extension, the community). This allows you to build deeper, long-standing relationships with internal stakeholders. You become an integral part of the team, rather than an external advisor who’s only brought in when problems occur. 

Moving away from hourly billing 

Perhaps the most significant driver is the shift away from billing targets. In private practice, your worth is often measured in time spent on a task. But in local government, you’re focused more on overall outcomes. This means the pressure changes from "how much can we bill?" to "how can we best solve this problem for the community?" For lots of lawyers, this shift in purpose is incredibly rewarding. 

Common local government myths  

Dealing with legal candidates daily, we’re aware of several persistent misconceptions about public sector legal work that can put candidates off. Let’s tackle some of those: 

Myth 1: "It’s a step backwards in my career."

This is perhaps the most damaging myth. Moving into local government is not a step back – it’s simply a change in direction. The work is legally complex, politically sensitive, and highly scrutinised. You’re often dealing with legalities that affect thousands of lives. To successfully navigate this kind of environment, you need a high level of skill and adaptability. It’s a lateral move into a different kind of challenge, but certainly not a step down. 

Myth 2: "The pay is terrible." 

Admittedly, the very best private firms can offer salaries that dwarf public sector pay. But the roles are not like-for-like. That’s why it’s more helpful to look at overall packages, including the generous pension schemes, holiday allowances and flexi-time arrangements offered by public sector roles. When you look at the two options side by side, the gap narrows significantly. Also, it’s important to consider that the hourly rates offered to locum lawyers in local government can be highly competitive, often rivalling private practice rates in some areas. So, it’s always worth thinking about the overall package and the benefits that are important to you and your loved ones. 

Myth 3: "My skills won't transfer." 

Many private practice lawyers worry they’re too specialised for the generalist nature of some local government roles. While certain niche areas (like childcare law) require specific experience (like public childcare/legal aid work), many skills are highly transferable. Property law, contracts, litigation, and employment law are everyday issues for local authorities. So, if you have strong core legal skills, they’ll likely transfer seamlessly into the public sector. 

The real benefits of Local Government law 

So, what do you gain by making the move into public sector law? Here are some of the advantages that make these roles fulfilling. 

Meaningful work that changes lives 

In private practice, a "win" might translate to saving an organisation money or closing a merger. In local government, though, a "win" can mean securing safe housing for a vulnerable family, regenerating a town centre, or ensuring a child is protected from harm. There’s a powerful connection between your legal advice and the welfare of the community and for many professionals this means they get a real sense of purpose. That’s hard replicate in the corporate world! 

Variety and complexity 

Local authorities are vast, complex organisations, so you can pretty much guarantee that no two days are ever the same. This variety keeps the work intellectually stimulating. You’re often at the cutting edge of new legislation, responsible for interpreting how laws and regulations apply to your local council and community. 

A supportive culture 

The culture in local government legal teams can be quite different. It tends to be collaborative rather than competitive. And because you aren't competing with your colleagues for billable hours or clients, there’s normally a greater willingness to share knowledge and support one another. It is a friendlier, more close-knit environment where "team fit" is heavily prioritised during hiring. 

Challenges and reality checks 

Like any career, there are still challenges in public sector law. If you’re considering a move, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into. Here are some of the potential pitfalls to be aware of: 

It’s still busy 

Don’t assume you’ll work at a slower pace in a public sector role. Local authority legal departments are often small and in high demand. The difference is usually in the type of pressure (deadline-driven vs. target-driven) rather than the amount of work.  

Bureaucracy and politics 

Working in a political environment requires a different mindset. You’re serving elected members, and decisions can sometimes be driven by political necessity as much as legal rationale. Navigating the internal bureaucracy and understanding the decision-making constitution of a council can be a steep learning curve for those used to the faster decision-making of private businesses. 

Is private practice right for you? 

Being successful in local government takes more than just legal acumen. It requires the right personality fit. So, what does the perfect candidate look like? 

To thrive in this sector, it helps to be: 

• Personable and approachable: You’ll be dealing with officers from all departments, from planners to social workers. You need to be able to explain complex legal concepts in plain English. 
• Resilient: Resources can be tight, and public scrutiny is high.
• Adaptable: You may need to turn your hand to areas of law outside your immediate specialism. 
• Solutions-focused: You’ll often need to help officers to understand how they can achieve their policy goals legally, not just that they can't do it the way they first thought. 

Assessing your transferability

We are used to helping legal professionals decide whether a change in direction is right for them. If you’re unsure if your background is a good fit for public sector legal work, first look at your current caseload. We’d ask things like, “Have you dealt with public authorities on the other side of a transaction?” “Have you handled commercial property deals?” or “Have you worked on employment tribunals?”  

If you’ve ever been on the "other side" of the table, you already understand some of the issues - you just need to learn to view them through a public interest lens. 

Take, for example Sonia Noon, a candidate who recently worked with Sellick Partnership to make the move from private sector to public.  

"After having worked in the private sector for over 30 years, both as a practising lawyer and as a professional support lawyer, I moved to the public sector in summer 2025. Sellick Partnership was instrumental in allowing me to effect a move into the public sector and have provided continued support. They have an in-depth knowledge of the public sector and have excellent working relationships with many local authorities. Working in the public sector has been a very positive and immensely interesting move for me.  My workload is never dull and comprises significant commercial, residential and agricultural property transactions but also includes more routine, lower-value work which is, nonetheless, very important for the local communities and their residents.  I have also really enjoyed learning about local authority governance."

Sonia Noon, Senior Property Lawyer 

This story is testament to the fact that changing the course of your legal career is not only possible but can be a hugely successful move. 

Current market trends 

At Sellick Partnership, we’re currently seeing a noticeable trend of candidates who are prioritising the stability and benefits of public sector legal roles, over salary alone. Remember, the pension schemes of local government can be incredibly attractive to professionals who are thinking beyond just short-term income. 

Additionally, we’re seeing more private practice lawyers who are willing to take a slight pay cut to gain the consistency and cultural benefits that come with the public sector. The ‘value’ of a sector, or specific role, is different for everyone. 

Weighing up your options 

Moving from private practice to local government is a significant career change, but for many, it’s the key to rediscovering their passion for law. It offers the chance to do complex and interesting work that genuinely serves the community - all within a supportive environment that respects your life outside the office. 

If you’re feeling burnt out by billing targets or are simply seeking a new challenge where you can really see the difference your work makes, it might be time to consider the switch. 

We have an experienced team of public sector legal experts who are here to help. If you’re ready to explore what the public sector has to offer, browse our latest legal jobs today. Or if you’re still unsure about whether a move is for you, why not arrange a confidential chat with one of our consultants who can discuss the pros and cons in more depth? 

Please remember that we can also put you in touch with our legal private practice recruitment team. If a move into a local authority isn’t for you right now, we’re connected with lots of private practice firms too. Contact us today.