County Council Lawyer

What does a county council lawyer do? – Tasks and work environment

A county council lawyer works with interpreting, applying, and developing legal issues within the public sector, primarily within regions and county councils. Tasks include providing advice to various operations, drafting contracts, handling cases related to the principle of public access and confidentiality, and supporting procurement and dispute resolution. The environment is often office-based, with a fast pace and demands for accuracy, integrity, and a solution-oriented approach. Contact with both internal clients and external parties is frequent, requiring good communication skills and understanding of complex regulations.

Salary development over time

The salary development for county council lawyers has been steadily increasing in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 55,300 SEK per month, which increased to 57 000 SEK in 2023, and has risen to 60 800 SEK in 2024. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 10% over three years. Salaries have grown slightly more than inflation, mainly due to increased demand for legal expertise in the public sector and higher complexity in legislation affecting regional operations. Competition for qualified lawyers and higher educational levels also contribute to the positive salary trend. The trend shows that county council lawyer salaries remain competitive, especially in metropolitan areas and for those with longer experience.

County council lawyer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 60 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 49,300 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school education)
• Highest salary: 76,400 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, postgraduate education)
• Hourly wage: 366 SEK
• Women's salary as a percentage of men's: 89%
• Men's average salary: 65 400 SEK/month
• Women's average salary: 58 300 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a county council lawyer, a law degree is required, often supplemented with experience from public administration or other relevant legal work. The education is academically demanding and includes several years of study, with specialization in public law, administrative law, or health and medical law being particularly advantageous. Practical experience through traineeships or internships within regions is an important stepping stone into the profession.

• Law degree: 4.5 years of university studies
• Specialization: Public law, administrative law, health and medical law
• Internship: Serving within the public sector is recommended
• Certifications: Courses in public procurement or administrative processes can be advantageous
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies

Common benefits and compensations

County council lawyers are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, flexible working hours, generous vacation policies, wellness allowances, and opportunities for remote work. Some employers also provide professional development, subsidized lunches, and business travel within the scope of work.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a county council lawyer is relatively high, especially in metropolitan regions where many lawyers seek careers in the public sector. Challenges often include managing a large number of cases with varying complexity, while legislation and political decisions are constantly changing. Balancing legal certainty with operational utility requires both analytical skills and flexibility. Additionally, high demands are placed on working under pressure and communicating legal reasoning in an understandable way. For those looking to advance in their careers, it is important to continually develop both specialist and leadership skills.

Tips for those aspiring to become a county council lawyer

To succeed as a county council lawyer, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and a genuine interest in societal issues. Early focus on public law during studies increases chances of gaining relevant internships, while good communication skills make it easier to explain complex legal issues to non-lawyers. Precision and integrity are crucial when handling sensitive cases, and being solution-oriented helps with rapid legislative or organizational changes. Building networks within the public sector and participating in continuing education provide insights and future career opportunities. Finally, the ability to collaborate across professional boundaries is a significant asset in daily work.

Key facts about county council lawyers

• Education level: Law degree (4.5 years)
• Work environment: Office-based, often fast-paced
• Work form: Full-time, sometimes flexible hours or remote work
• Demand: 758 available jobs within the profession
• Special expertise: Public law, administrative law

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a county council lawyer, opportunities open for more specialized roles, such as chief legal officer, negotiation lawyer, or expert in public procurement. Some choose to move into leadership positions within regions or agencies, while others deepen their knowledge in specific legal areas like health law. Forecasts from the Employment Service show a steady need for administrative and organizational lawyers, although the profession does not have a separate statistical assessment due to limited data. The number of available positions suggests that demand remains strong, especially for those with experience and specialized knowledge in the public sector.

Frequently asked questions about county council lawyers

• What does a county council lawyer earn?
  - The average salary is 60 800 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, gender, and employer.
• What education is required to become a county council lawyer?
  - A law degree from university, often with a focus on public law, is a requirement.
• Are there gender differences in salary for county council lawyers?
  - Yes, women earn approximately 89% of what men do within the profession.
• What does the job market look like for county council lawyers?
  - There are 758 available jobs, indicating strong demand.
• What are the tasks of a county council lawyer?
  - Tasks include advising, contracts, procurement, handling the principle of public access and confidentiality, and providing legal support to operations.
• How does educational level affect the salary of county council lawyers?
  - Higher education and experience often lead to higher salaries, with the highest wages for privately employed civil servants with postgraduate education.
• What personal qualities are important for a county council lawyer?
  - Analytical skills, thoroughness, integrity, and good communication are central qualities.