Principal Lawyer - Contracts

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives through legal expertise and do you thrive in a committed, friendly and supportive team?

We are looking for a senior legal professional who will provide expert legal advice, represent clients, and can teach, cascade, and mentor staff in the Legal Services Unit (LSU). You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with legal standards and may also be involved in developing legal strategies.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a Local Authority committed to high legal standards and to making a difference for the benefit of our community. If you are passionate about Education/Special Education Needs & Disabilities and have a proven track record of success, we encourage you to apply now.

Main Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing programmes of development informed by national best practices, current law, and legal developments.
• Supporting the growth of subject matter expertise within LSU.
• Handling highly complex, high-risk legal cases and advocacy.
• Coaching and mentoring within LSU to develop others through training and sharing of expert knowledge.
• Developing and delivering a strategic approach to selling legal services within your subject area.

The Ideal Candidate

• Subject matter expert with the ability to interpret complex legislation and provide high-quality legal advice to stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills for training, mentoring, and supporting legal colleagues.
• Commercial awareness with contributions to marketing and growth of legal services.
• Strong prioritisation and organisational skills to manage complex casework and pressures.

We are happy to discuss flexible working options.

If you are unsure whether your skills and experience suit this role or have any queries, please contact Robin Longhurst, Deputy Legal Services Manager, at or Imran Razaq, Deputy Legal Services Manager, at .

Interview date: 11 September 2025

Our Recruitment Process

We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you'll bring to the role.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values: The core of who we are as an organisation. Our values, created through colleague feedback and best practices, are at the heart of our People Strategy. They foster a sense of community, ambition, and a focus on a better future.

Our benefits: We aim to create a supportive environment where employees can achieve their potential and maintain a healthy work-life balance. In addition to salary, staff have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire .

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and communities. We offer a guaranteed interview for applicants meeting minimum criteria, supporting our commitments as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer, and a supporter of care leavers.