An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Lawyer to lead on high‑profile property and planning matters within a forward‑thinking public sector legal team.
This role is with an East London Borough and is being offered on a permanent basis.
About the Role
We are seeking a specialist legal professional with deep expertise in areas such as:
* Easements, wayleaves, leasehold extensions & enfranchisement
* Right to Buy transactions
* Planning and highways agreements (including S106 and S278)
* Compulsory purchase, appropriations & land acquisition/disposal
* Local Government law and governance
Responsibilities
As Principal Lawyer, you will:
* Lead and manage a specialist team of lawyers and legal officers
* Act as the organisation’s primary expert in property and/or planning law
* Handle the most complex and high‑risk matters across the caseload
* Provide advocacy at hearings, inquiries, tribunals, and courts
* Draft, negotiate and finalise complex legal agreements
* Advise on governance, probity, policy development and legislative changes
* Work closely with internal departments, external partners, barristers, and consultants
* Support major projects, helping to protect financial and reputational interests
* Contribute to service planning, income generation and continuous improvement
Qualifications
You will be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with:
* Significant experience in property law within a complex environment
* Strong advocacy skills and confidence handling contentious matters
* Proven ability to supervise, mentor and develop legal colleagues
* Excellent communication skills and a collaborative working style
* A strategic approach, with the ability to assess risk and influence decision‑making
* Up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant legislation, case law and local government practice
You will join a supportive, professional legal service where your expertise will be valued and your leadership will help drive excellence across the team. This is a great time to join a local authority that has recently gone through a period of transformation and modernisation.
This is a hybrid working role with 2 days per week in the office.
To register an interest in the role, please send an updated CV to zalex@lawabsolute.com
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