At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic legal team in property and planning matters, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Company: Join Lambeth Borough, a vibrant community focused on diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a £5,000 welcome payment for new hires.
- Other info: Enjoy excellent career growth opportunities and a commitment to equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or equivalent with experience in planning or property law.
The predicted salary is between 78266 - 88090 € per year.
Salary: £78,266 rising to £88,090 per annum inclusive of market supplement up to £10,000 pa, plus £5,000 welcome payment*
Hybrid working
About Us
Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. We pride ourselves on diversity, with more than 130 languages spoken and strong community initiatives such as Lambeth 2030 Plan.
About the Team
A team of lawyers providing innovative and pragmatic legal advice to a range of internal clients, predominantly in planning and property matters, and other areas of legal practice where necessary.
About the Role
We are looking for a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (or equivalent relevant qualification). The successful candidate will manage a team, handle a busy and challenging caseload, and maintain quality assurance and performance standards in the service provided to the Council.
Essential duties include:
- Leading, directing, developing and improving the service to operational teams in planning, highways and property.
- Working with third‑party providers on outsourced property and complex planning work to achieve positive outcomes for the Council.
- Collaborating with the Assistant Director of Legal Services on corporate activities and transformation plans.
- Providing high‑quality legal advice and ensuring value for money.
The ideal candidate will be highly organised, proactive, flexible, able to work under pressure, and able to manage competing deadlines. Good experience in planning or property work is required.
Contact Information
For any questions, please contact Gurpreet Singh, Assistant Director, Legal Service, via email Gsingh@lambeth.gov.uk.
Recruitment Timelines
Advert close date: 11:59 pm on Wednesday 17 June 2026.
Equal Opportunities
At Lambeth, we are committed to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer and guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role. We operate an anonymised application process; please remove personal details from your CV or personal statement when uploading. Applicants will be required to undertake a Cifas check. Further information about Cifas can be found on our website.
* Market supplement is dependent on experience and subject to review. Welcome payments are only payable to non‑Lambeth staff; internal applicants will not qualify.
Principal Lawyer - Property, Planning & Regeneration employer: Borough of Lambeth
Lambeth Borough is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of South London, where diversity and community engagement are at the forefront. With a commitment to employee development, hybrid working options, and competitive salaries, including a welcome payment, we empower our team to deliver high-quality legal services while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant community and advance your career in a supportive and inclusive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer - Property, Planning & Regeneration
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in property and planning. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Lambeth Borough and its community initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in our values and how you can contribute to the team’s success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around managing teams and handling complex cases. We want to see your leadership skills shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Property, Planning & Regeneration
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 law, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at Lambeth. Be sure to mention your proactive approach and ability to manage competing deadlines, as these are key qualities we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your skills in managing a busy caseload and providing high-quality legal advice. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and efficient. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lambeth
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on property, planning, and regeneration laws. Familiarise yourself with the Lambeth 2030 Plan and any recent developments in local government law. This will show that you're not just qualified but genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Lawyer, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, handled challenging caseloads, and improved service delivery. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring and developing others.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about complex cases you've worked on and how you achieved positive outcomes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
