At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team providing legal advice on property, planning, and regeneration matters.
- Company: Join Lambeth Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation in South London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, £5,000 welcome bonus, hybrid working, and excellent career development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a diverse community while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives required.
The predicted salary is between 78266 - 88090 € per year.
Salary £78,266 rising in annual increments to £88,090 pa inclusive of market supplement up to £10,000 pa. In addition to the salary, we also offer legally qualified new starters a £5,000 welcome bonus which is payable 50% after 6 months and 50% after 12 months in the role.
Hybrid working
About Us:
Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community.
It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council, we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through our Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth. With exceptional schools, lush green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions such as St Thomas's Hospital, Lambeth offers an enriching and dynamic environment.
About the Team:
A team of lawyers providing innovative and pragmatic legal advice to a range of internal clients predominantly in respect of planning and property matters generally and other areas of legal practice where necessary.
About the Role:
An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Council’s legal department for a Principal Lawyer - Property, Planning and Regeneration to join our team. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with initiative, a proactive approach to problem solving and a real commitment to the job. In return for this we can offer you an excellent benefits package alongside a flexible, modern working environment equipped with the technology needed to enable you to balance the pressures of a busy role.
We are looking for a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (or equivalent relevant qualification), ideally from within the public sector but private sector applicants are welcome. This is a varied role, and the successful candidate will be expected to manage a team of staff and a busy and challenging caseload. They will be highly organised, proactive, flexible, able to work under pressure and manage competing deadlines. They will maintain quality assurance and performance standards in the service provided by their team to the Council.
You should have good experience in either Planning or Property work. You will be expected to lead, direct, develop and improve the service to operational teams, predominately in the area of planning & highways and property, to ensure the provision of an excellent standard of service and value for money. The Council also outsources a significant amount of its property and complex planning work to third parties and this role will be required to work with those providers to establish good relationships and outcomes for the Council.
This is an exciting role where you will work with the new Assistant Director of Legal Services in relation to a number of corporate activities and transformation plans.
Contact Information:
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Gurpreet Singh, Assistant Director, Legal Service via email Gsingh@lambeth.gov.uk
How to Apply:
To be considered for interview, your CV and supporting statement will clearly evidence how you meet the shortlisting criteria on the personal specification marked “A” for application: Job Description and Person Specification. We operate an anonymised application process, so be sure to remove personal details when uploading your CV or personal statement. You will be required to undertake a Cifas check.
Further information about Cifas can be found here Cifas.
* Market Supplement is dependent on experience and subject to review. Welcome payments are only payable to non-Lambeth staff. Internal applicants will not qualify.
Recruitment Timelines:
Advert close date: @11:59pm on Wednesday 17 June 2026.
At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to safer recruitment and are proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and to guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role.
Principal Lawyer - Property, Planning & Regeneration in London employer: Borough of Lambeth
Lambeth Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment in the heart of South London, where diversity and community engagement are at the forefront. With a competitive salary package, including a £5,000 welcome bonus for new legal professionals, and a commitment to employee growth through flexible working arrangements and modern technology, we empower our staff to thrive in their roles. Join us in shaping the future of Lambeth’s communities while enjoying the benefits of working in a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to delivering high-quality legal services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer - Property, Planning & Regeneration in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into Lambeth Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Lambeth’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in our community and how your skills can contribute to our ambitious plans for the future.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm for property and planning come across!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Lambeth Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Property, Planning & Regeneration in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Lawyer role. Highlight your experience in property and planning, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Clearly demonstrate how you meet the shortlisting criteria and share specific examples of your achievements. We love seeing enthusiasm and a proactive approach, so let that personality come through!
Follow the Anonymised Process:Remember, we operate an anonymised application process. So, be sure to remove any personal details from your CV and supporting statement before uploading. This helps us focus on your skills and experience without bias!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lambeth
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of property, planning, and regeneration law. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legislation that could impact Lambeth's legal landscape. This will show your commitment and expertise in the field.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Lawyer, you'll be managing a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and manage a busy caseload effectively.
✨Understand the Community
Lambeth is a diverse borough with unique challenges and opportunities. Research the community's needs and how your role can contribute to the Lambeth 2030 Plan. Showing that you understand the local context will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the council's future projects or how they measure success in their legal services. It demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
