Job description
Principal Legal Officer
Location: Lanyon Plaza, Belfast
Pay: £61,673 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday
Contract: Temporary ongoing
Hours: 37 per week
Staffline Recruitment Ireland is currently recruiting a Principal Legal Officer on behalf of the Departmental Solicitor's Office, Advisory Division 4, Department for Communities, based at Lanyon Plaza, Belfast.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal professional to provide specialist legal advice within a key government department, supporting decision-making and policy development across a range of high-profile areas.
The Role
The successful candidate will provide legal advice and guidance to the Department for Communities across a range of practice areas, including local government, charities, social security, and housing law.
Working as part of the Departmental Solicitor's Office, you will support the delivery of high-quality legal services, advising on complex legal issues, legislative interpretation, and policy implementation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Provide expert legal advice to the Department for Communities
2. Advise on matters relating to local government, charities, social security, and housing law
3. Interpret and apply legislation, regulations, and legal frameworks
4. Support policy development through legal analysis and guidance
5. Assess legal risks and provide practical solutions to complex issues
6. Prepare legal opinions, briefing papers, and correspondence
7. Work collaboratively with departmental officials and key stakeholders
8. Ensure legal compliance and support effective decision-making across the Department
Essential Criteria
Applicants must:
9. Be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister
10. Have a minimum of 3 years' post-qualification experience
11. Demonstrate the ability to provide clear, concise, and practical legal advice
12. Possess strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
13. Be able to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Additional Information
Successful candidates may be required to undergo the appropriate security clearance process and therefore must have resided in the UK for 3+years.