Plaintext Who You Are You are an experienced lawyer with a high level of expertise, acting as the Principal Lawyer for the Council. You possess considerable experience in providing legal advice and assistance in specialized areas such as safeguarding, major works, regeneration planning, and corporate matters. You excel at managing teams, solving complex issues, and analyzing legal problems for innovative solutions. With a successful track record in managing professional staff, developing strategies, and leading legal initiatives, you contribute significantly to delivering high professional standards. What the job involves As the Principal Lawyer, you will be responsible for overseeing legal management and providing expert legal advice and support at a complex level. You manage an in-house legal team, ensure budgetary control, and act as a relationship manager with various clients and alliances. In the absence of the Head of Legal Services, you will fulfill a full deputizing function for the department. You will handle sensitive and high-profile legal matters and contribute to the council’s strategic objectives, ensuring value for money. Team management, service delivery, and risk management are key components of this role, alongside continuous professional development. Skills Qualified solicitor/barrister/legal executive Extensive senior-level legal experience Proven experience managing legal teams Advocacy and drafting skills Budget management and financial monitoring Knowledge of local government and administrative law (desirable) Ability to handle competing demands effectively