Principal Solicitor - Property, Planning and Contracts
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Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated legal professional to lead our Property, Planning and Contracts Team as Principal Solicitor. This is a senior leadership role within Legal Services, offering the opportunity to make a strategic impact while managing a team of dedicated and experienced legal specialists. As a member of the Legal Services Management Team, you will contribute to the overall direction and success of the division, helping to shape a high-performing legal service that supports the Council's objectives and statutory obligations.
About The Job
Salary: £61,745 - £64,987 a year plus £3,203 car benefit allowance
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
You will be the lead professional on all legal matters relating to property, planning, contracts, and procurement. The role requires advising at the highest level within the Council, including Members of the Executive and Corporate Directors, often on complex and sensitive matters. You will oversee legal work, ensure timely and high-quality delivery, and develop your team's professional skills. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in shaping internal processes, improving performance management, and ensuring value through external legal commissions when necessary.
This is a unique opportunity for a senior legal expert to work at the heart of local government, addressing key legal challenges while building a high-performing legal service.
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
About You
You are a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with over eight years of post-qualification experience in English law, with significant expertise in at least three of the following areas: property law (including commercial conveyancing), planning law, contracts, compulsory purchase and compensation, or administrative law. Your strong grounding in local government law allows you to navigate complex legal frameworks and provide strategic advice to officers and elected members.
You have a proven track record of managing and motivating legal teams, developing talent, and fostering a culture of high performance. You are confident, articulate, with excellent legal drafting and communication skills. A strategic thinker with sound judgment, you are decisive under pressure and able to balance demands effectively. You are committed to equality and understand relevant legislation in legal practice and public service.
If you are eager to lead a specialist team and contribute to the legal and governance framework of a forward-thinking Council, we would love to hear from you.
About Us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision aims to eradicate poverty in Luton. We value our talented, committed, and passionate workforce dedicated to serving residents.
We welcome applications from all community sections and strive to reflect the diversity of our borough.
Application Process
This role requires a criminal record disclosure, as it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must declare all unspent cautions, convictions, and relevant spent convictions. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify you, but failure to disclose may lead to disciplinary action.
Note: We may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.
Benefits
* From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave, linked to service and grade
* Buy additional leave through the scheme
* Career development opportunities
* Generous pension contributions up to 20.2%
* Relocation package up to £8,000 (eligibility dependent)
* Employee Assistance Programme: free 24/7 confidential support
* Flexible working options, including remote work
* Training, mentoring, and career pathways
* Staff discounts on various services
* Arriva Travel Club discounts
How To Apply
We appreciate your effort in preparing a high-quality application. Visit our ‘How to apply’ page for tips to make your application stand out.
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