Principal Lawyer

Full time Civic Recruitment Limited United Kingdom

Posted On 16/04/2026

Job Information

Legal / Security / Law

City Redbridge

Province Redbridge

Postal Code IG2

Job Description 8 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To act as the Council's principal legal expert on all aspects of adults, children, and education law, delivering high-quality legal advice, litigation, and representation. The role also provides strategic guidance on local government law and leads on specialist safeguarding-related projects, while managing and developing a team of safeguarding and social care lawyers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on complex cases relating to adults, children, and education law, including advocacy and representation where appropriate.
• Provide authoritative legal advice and guidance to senior officers, elected members, and internal stakeholders.
• Oversee and manage a team of safeguarding and social care lawyers, including supervision, performance management, and development.
• Ensure the effective conduct of litigation, including case strategy, risk assessment, and decision-making.
• Act as the principal point of expertise for safeguarding law and related local government legal matters.
• Contribute to policy development, strategic initiatives, and cross-departmental projects.
• Maintain high professional standards and ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and governance requirements.
• Manage external legal resources and budgets where required.

Requirements

• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or equivalent legal professional with a current practising certificate.
• Extensive post-qualification experience in adults, children, and education law.
• Strong advocacy and litigation experience, ideally within a local government setting.
• Proven experience managing or supervising legal teams.
• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding law and relevant legislation.
• Ability to provide clear, strategic legal advice to senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, leadership, and communication skills.