As the Principal Lawyer - Litigation, you will leverage your experience in providing robust due diligence and compliance, legal support and advice. Reporting to the Head of Legal Services (Deputy Monitoring Officer), you will be a senior professionally qualified lawyer, leading the team dealing with all aspects of litigation, planning enforcement and regulatory law. You will be responsible for delivering a professional and 'best‑in‑class' legal service and resolving complex requests and cases. You will also support the Head of Legal Services and Deputy Head of Legal Services with the successful development and leadership of the team.
Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements and the ability to accrue up to 2 days' additional leave per month (subject to operational requirements – pro rata for part‑time staff)
* Defined benefit pension scheme
* Places Leisure, Eastleigh – 30% off full membership
* Confidential employee advice and support programme
* Car and season ticket loans
* Excellent working environment
* Support for continuous professional development
We are looking for a dynamic, motivated and experienced senior legal professional to join our Legal Services Team and lead our in‑house Litigation, Regulatory and Enforcement Specialists. If you have the skills, experience and motivation we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.
Qualifications & Experience
* Educated to degree level or extensive equivalent experience
* Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive
* Current membership of the Law Society or the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives or registered to practice with the Bar Standards Board
* Extensive working knowledge of legal working practices and methodologies at a senior level
* Experience in undertaking local government work and making legal representations
* Solid understanding of statutory and regulatory compliance
* Experience of conducting proceedings in court
* Dynamic, innovative, confident, able to challenge others, open, perceptive and a strong communicator
* Proven ability to undertake complex legal cases and provide expert advice on a range of matters within local government
* Passionate about the role and local government
* A high level of resilience and a strong background in delivery
* Extremely capable in managing multiple competing priorities without slippage
At Eastleigh, we are proud of what we have achieved. As a medium‑size district council employing over 500 staff and supporting around 140,000 residents with a £65 million turnover, we have delivered a range of major projects and initiatives, ensuring we continue to be progressive and innovative while delivering high‑quality service to our customers and the community.
In return, you will be working with a great team in an organisation that is truly committed to a flexible, inclusive and enjoyable work environment. We are passionate about personal and professional development for all staff, offering exceptional conditions of employment as an accredited Living Wage Employer, plus the chance to make a lasting difference to the community of Eastleigh.
Salary: £54,617 – £58,269 (Band 11) plus competitive market supplement available, depending on experience
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