Principal Lawyer

East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is at the forefront of delivering transformational change across our region. As our responsibilities continue to grow through devolution, we are seeking a number of exceptional Principal Lawyers to grow our in-house legal team and play a key role in shaping the legal frameworks that underpin our ambitions. These senior legal positions offer an exciting opportunity to provide expert legal advice on high-profile projects, influence strategic decision-making, and help deliver meaningful outcomes for communities, businesses and partners across the East Midlands.

Reporting to the General Counsel and leading a small team, you will be a trusted adviser to senior officers, elected members and stakeholders across the organisation.

About the Role

As Principal Lawyer, you will provide strategic legal leadership and specialist legal support across EMCCA’s evolving portfolio of responsibilities. You will lead on complex legal matters, including drafting and negotiating significant agreements, and ensuring legal compliance across major programmes and projects. You will work closely with colleagues across the authority, supporting innovation, managing legal risk, and helping to develop robust governance arrangements that enable EMCCA to deliver its vision for the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, timely legal advice on complex and strategically important matters.
• Lead on the preparation, drafting and negotiation of a wide range of legal documents, agreements and governance documentation.
• Provide expert legal support to senior officers, committees and decision-making bodies.
• Support the General Counsel and wider legal team in delivering an efficient, responsive and customer-focused legal service.
• Ensure compliance with governance requirements, procurement regulations, data protection legislation and other statutory obligations.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, external partners and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of legal frameworks that support EMCCA’s expanding responsibilities and priorities.
• Support continuous improvement within Legal Services, promoting best practice and innovation.

Skills and Knowledge

You will bring a strong combination of technical legal expertise, professional judgement, leadership capability and practical problem-solving skills. We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate knowledge and capability across the following areas:

• Technical Legal Knowledge: Strong knowledge of public law, local government law, statutory powers, governance, decision-making and devolution frameworks, with the ability to apply this knowledge to complex, sensitive and evolving issues within a public sector environment.
• Commercial and Contractual Skills: Confidence in drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex legal agreements, contracts, funding documentation and governance documents, with the ability to identify legal risk, protect the organisation’s interests and support proportionate, deliverable outcomes.
• Procurement, Subsidy Control and Compliance: A practical understanding of procurement regulations, subsidy control, data protection, corporate governance procedures and other legal or regulatory requirements relevant to public sector decision-making and delivery.
• Strategic Advice and Problem Solving: The ability to analyse complex legal, policy, commercial and operational issues, exercise sound judgement and provide clear, pragmatic advice that supports lawful, transparent and effective decision-making.
• Legal Systems and Professional Standards: Experience of using legal case management systems, maintaining accurate records and working in line with internal procedures, best practice protocols and professional standards, including continued professional development.
• Collaboration, Communication and Influence: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines, explain complex legal matters clearly to senior officers and elected members, influence stakeholders and build trusted working relationships with internal teams and external partners.

Leadership Responsibilities

As a senior leader within EMCCA Legal Services, you will:

• Lead, motivate and develop a team of legal professionals.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and accountable culture.
• Support professional development through coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Ensure effective resource planning and workload management.
• Promote collaboration, communication and continuous improvement across the team.

About You

We are looking for an experienced legal professional who combines technical excellence with strong leadership, sound judgement and relationship-building skills. You will be:

• A qualified Solicitor or Barrister entitled to practice law in England and Wales, holding a current practising certificate.
• Experienced in delivering high-quality legal advice on complex matters within the public sector, a devolved governance environment, or a similarly complex organisation.
• Able to independently draft and review complex legal documentation to a high standard.
• Skilled at analysing complex legal and policy issues and translating them into clear, practical advice.
• Skilled in using legal case management systems and maintaining compliance with internal processes, procedures and best practice protocols.
• Experienced in working collaboratively with senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
• An outstanding communicator, capable of presenting complex legal issues to a variety of audiences.
• Committed to maintaining professional standards and continuous professional development.

We would also welcome:

• Experience of local government law and devolution frameworks.
• Experience in housing, planning, transport or economic development.
• Experience supporting major public sector projects and programmes.

Our Values

• Lifting Our Region – Championing opportunities that create lasting benefits for our communities and places.
• Working Together – Building trusted partnerships and bringing people together to achieve shared goals.
• Making an Impact – Turning ideas into action and delivering meaningful improvements.
• Being Human – Valuing diverse perspectives and creating authentic connections with colleagues and stakeholders.

Why Join EMCCA?

This is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation at a pivotal stage in its development. You will work on some of the most significant legal, governance and strategic challenges facing the region while helping to shape the future of devolved government in the East Midlands. You will also have opportunities to develop your professional practice through varied and high-profile legal work, exposure to senior decision making, and support for continued professional development. As the Legal Services function grows, you will be able to build your leadership skills, contribute to service improvement, and help shape a collaborative learning culture within the team.

Our Mission

To deliver long-term systemic impact for the benefit of the people, businesses and places of the East Midlands.

Our Vision

To create a more prosperous, sustainable and fairer region where people and businesses can thrive and seize opportunities.

If you are a talented legal professional looking to make a lasting impact on the future of the East Midlands, we would love to hear from you.

Closing Date: 19th July 2026 (Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.)

Projected Interview Date: 3rd /4th August 2026

Supplemental Pay: Market Supplement Pay Up to 10 days paid leave in a 12-month period for caring responsibilities Recognition Scheme A hybrid work model with remote working opportunities Maternity, Paternity, IVF, Adopters and Foster Carers support Cycle to Work Scheme 30 days holiday (plus 2 with continuous service) + bank holidays + your birthday (up to five extra days through salary sacrifice)