Principal Lawyer

8 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To act as the Councils principal legal expert on all aspects of adults children and education law delivering high-quality legal advice litigation and representation. The role also provides strategic guidance on local government law and leads on specialist safeguarding-related projects while managing and developing a team of safeguarding and social care lawyers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on complex cases relating to adults children and education law including advocacy and representation where appropriate.
  
• Provide authoritative legal advice and guidance to senior officers elected members and internal stakeholders.
  
• Oversee and manage a team of safeguarding and social care lawyers including supervision performance management and development.
  
• Ensure the effective conduct of litigation including case strategy risk assessment and decision-making.
  
• Act as the principal point of expertise for safeguarding law and related local government legal matters.
  
• Contribute to policy development strategic initiatives and cross-departmental projects.
  
• Maintain high professional standards and ensure compliance with legal regulatory and governance requirements.
  
• Manage external legal resources and budgets where required.
  

Requirements

• Qualified solicitor barrister or equivalent legal professional with a current practising certificate.
  
• Extensive post-qualification experience in adults children and education law.
  
• Strong advocacy and litigation experience ideally within a local government setting.
  
• Proven experience managing or supervising legal teams.
  
• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding law and relevant legislation.
  
• Ability to provide clear strategic legal advice to senior stakeholders.
  
• Strong organisational leadership and communication skills.
  

• Bi-Weekly Payments
  
• 36 Hours Per Week