Principal Lawyer

Principal Lawyer

Full-Time 59060 - 66670 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
City of London

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide legal advice across various law areas, including local government and charity law.
  • Company: Join the City of London Corporation, a key player in the financial and cultural landscape.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Flexible workplace attendance and commitment to equal opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant city while developing your legal expertise.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Barrister, Solicitor or Legal Executive with relevant experience.

The predicted salary is between 59060 - 66670 £ per year.

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required have also been included.

Salary: £59,060 - £66,670 p.a. In addition, this post also attracts a Market Forces Supplement of £10,898 per annum. The Market Forces Supplement is discretionary and may be withdrawn, reduced or increased during the future.

Contractual Hours: 35 hours per week

Basis: Permanent

Workplace category: Hybrid

The City of London Corporation is the local authority for the "Square Mile". It is committed to the support of the City as a pre-eminent international financial and business centre and as a pleasant and vibrant place to work, live and relax.

The City of London Corporation offers the normal range of local government services, as well as managing and funding a number of world-renowned educational and cultural institutions, being the trustee of Bridge House Estates and other charities, operating wholesale markets and owning and managing some of London's most important open spaces, including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest.

We have a vacancy in the Public and Corporate Law Division. The work of the Division is very varied and includes local government law, administrative and constitutional law, planning and highways law, charities and trust law, company law, information law, electoral law and the law relating to open spaces. It includes the provision of legal advice to elected members and external organisations, including London Councils.

The successful applicant will be a qualified Barrister, Solicitor or Legal Executive with significant post-qualification experience in local government law and/or charity law and experience in, or a willingness to acquire expertise in, other relevant work areas. The post requires computer literacy, excellent research and communication skills and the ability to provide clear and pragmatic advice to tight timescales.

Appointment will be made on the basis of experience, skills and abilities demonstrated in relevant fields.

Fully completed CV and cover letter according to the role requirements on the Personal Spec will be accepted.

If you would like further information or an informal discussion, please contact Anne Pietsch at anne.pietsch@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Closing date: 23:59 pm on Monday 9th March 2026

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as part of the selection process the successful applicant will be required to obtain a Basic DBS check.

To apply online please click the Apply online button below. Alternatively, please contact 020 7332 3978 (24 hr answerphone) quoting reference number COM1066 if you experience any difficulties. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.

The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

We reserve the right to close the advert earlier should we receive a high number of applications.

Because our roles are so varied, we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ policy for workplace attendance. How many days a week you’ll be required to attend your workplace will depend on the requirements of your role. It’s important that you understand the requirements before applying to ensure you are able to meet them. We are committed to considering requests to work flexibly and job share. Requests will be considered by the recruiting manager in line with our policies and business needs.

For more information on our categories for workplace attendance, please view our guide.

We will be reviewing this policy and approach at regular intervals to ensure we’re meeting our attendance needs.

Principal Lawyer employer: City of London

The City of London Corporation is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London's financial district. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a diverse range of legal challenges, this role as Principal Lawyer provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. Employees also benefit from competitive salaries, including a Market Forces Supplement, and the chance to engage with world-renowned institutions and beautiful open spaces.

City of London

Contact Details:

City of London Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in local government or charity law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local government and charity law. We recommend practising common interview questions with a mate to boost your confidence and ensure you can articulate your experience clearly.

Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to showcase your communication skills! During interviews, be sure to provide clear and concise answers, demonstrating your ability to give pragmatic advice under pressure. This is key for a role like Principal Lawyer.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to join the City of London Corporation team.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer

Qualified Barrister
Solicitor or Legal Executive
Post-Qualification Experience in Local Government Law
Experience in Charity Law
Computer Literacy
Excellent Research Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Lawyer role. Highlight your experience in local government law and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

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. Be sure to mention your willingness to dive into other areas of law, as we value versatility.

Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since the role requires excellent communication skills, make sure your application reflects that. Keep your language clear and concise, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors!

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 to us without any hiccups. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at City of London

Know Your Law

Make sure you brush up on local government law and charity law, as these are key areas for the Principal Lawyer role. Familiarise yourself with recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact the City of London Corporation.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to discuss your post-qualification experience in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've navigated complex legal issues, especially in local government or charity contexts, and how you provided clear advice under tight deadlines.

Research the Organisation

Dive into the City of London Corporation's mission and values. Understanding their role in managing public services and cultural institutions will help you align your answers with their goals during the interview.

Prepare Questions

Think of insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the challenges facing the Public and Corporate Law Division or how they measure success in this role. It shows your genuine interest and engagement.