At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic legal team, providing high-quality advice and support to the Council.
- Company: Join East Devon Council, committed to modern service delivery and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that champions equality, diversity, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in litigation and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 62522 - 71895 € per year.
This is a critical role within the Council which will support the Assistant Director (Legal and Governance) in providing a high quality, efficient and effective Legal Service which protects the Council’s interests, enables modern delivery and reacts flexibly to provide a service tailored to client needs.
Leading our legal services team to deliver outstanding service and ensuring that performance and practice is at a high standard and that the team have opportunity for development in line with our People Strategy.
In this role, you will act as the Legal Service’s lead practitioner in designated areas of legal practice, currently focusing on litigation (including complex criminal and civil litigation), while keeping fully up to date with developments in your field. You and your team will provide high-quality legal advice and reporting to officers, the Strategic Leadership Team, Committees, Sub‑Committees and other Council meetings and partner groups, primarily within your specialist area and in wider administrative law as well as providing legal observations on the reports prepared by others.
You will attend internal and external meetings, including Council Committees, ensuring that all committees have appropriate legal support to enable sound decision‑making, and you will undertake a wide range of legal tasks such as drafting, negotiating and completing legal documents and preparing instructions to Counsel.
You will manage our team to deliver the service’s casework, ensuring it is delivered competently, within deadlines, and with clear communication to clients, while also safeguarding and enhancing the Council’s reputation by preparing and presenting the Council’s case in courts, tribunals and inquiries where required.
You will be responsible for overseeing the security and control of deeds and documents and other important information. As a senior leader, you will model excellence, inspire colleagues and promote a culture of continuous improvement aligned to the Council’s aims and values, providing strong leadership, performance management and support for staff in line with HR policies, including learning, development, attendance, discipline and grievance matters.
You will foster a learning culture, oversee training and development across the Legal Services team, and manage budgets and resources in line with Financial Regulations, ensuring value for money in procurement and tendering.
You will contribute to or lead multidisciplinary and corporate teams to drive service improvement, ensuring that the Legal Services team offers a customer focused approach grounded in systems thinking principles.
You will champion equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring services reflect and respond to the needs of our diverse community, including safeguarding responsibilities, while also taking personal responsibility for health and safety within the service.
In addition, you will ensure full compliance with Council policies, the Code of Conduct and the Constitution, play an active role in identifying and managing risk, and support the Director of Governance with elections when required.
For an informal discussion, please contact James Docherty Assistant Director Legal & Governance by email james.docherty@eastdevon.gov.uk
Closing date: Midnight on Wednesday, 12th June with interviews planned for 26th June 2026.
Principal Solicitor in Honiton employer: EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL
East Devon District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment in Honiton, where you can thrive as a Principal Solicitor. With a strong commitment to employee development, a culture of continuous improvement, and the opportunity to lead a dedicated legal services team, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of our community while enjoying a competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements.
Contact Detail:
EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Solicitor in Honiton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Principal Solicitor role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current legal trends and issues. Be ready to discuss how you can lead a team effectively and provide high-quality legal advice. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the candidate they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! In your conversations, highlight your experience in managing teams and driving service improvements. We want to see how you can inspire others and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! It’s quick and easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining a team that values excellence and innovation in legal services.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Solicitor in Honiton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Principal Solicitor role. We want to see how you can contribute to our legal services team and support the Council's objectives.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge in litigation and administrative law. We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire, so share examples of your past successes and how you've managed complex legal tasks.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of being considered. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in litigation and administrative law. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or legal principles that are relevant to the role, as this will show your expertise and commitment to staying current in your field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Solicitor, you'll be leading a team, so highlight your leadership experience. Think of examples where you've inspired colleagues or improved team performance. This will demonstrate your ability to foster a positive culture and drive service improvement.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific legal scenarios or challenges. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills, especially in complex situations. This will help you convey your problem-solving abilities effectively.
✨Understand the Council's Values
Familiarise yourself with the Council’s aims and values, particularly around equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to these areas within the legal services team, as this alignment is crucial for the role.
