At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex legal matters in employment, education, and corporate governance.
- Company: Join Haringey Council, a vibrant and diverse community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days leave, hybrid working, health support, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team driving innovation and improvement in local governance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that values your expertise and leadership.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX Fellow with significant experience in public law.
The predicted salary is between 73122 - 84234 € per year.
Contract terms
- Starting salary: HC1 (£73,122 – £84,234)
- Work location: Alexandra House, 10 Station Road, Wood Green, London, N22 7TR
- Hours per week: 28 – 36 per week (compressed hours available)
- Contract type: Permanent
- Closing date: Sunday, 21st June 2026 at 23:59
- Expected interview date: W/C 6th July 2026
About Haringey
Haringey is a fantastic place to live and work – the world in one borough. A place brimming with creativity, personality, radicalism, and community. It is a place where we stand up for each other. A place that is proudly distinctive. We’ll be celebrating all this and more as the “rebel borough” when we are the 2027 London Borough of Culture. Our history champions change-makers and everyday rebels; revelling in our differences, battling discrimination, championing equality, and doing things our own way. Haringey’s people are a huge asset, with knowledge, expertise, and passion. Our staff members embody our organisational values: Caring, Creative, Courageous, Collaborative and Community-focused. These values keep us looking forward, ambitious for the future, and continuously striving to do our very best for all of our residents.
About the role
This is a genuinely influential opportunity for an accomplished public law lawyer to operate at the heart of a large, ambitious London borough. As Principal Lawyer for Employment, Education & Corporate, you will lead on some of the Council’s most complex, high‑profile and politically sensitive legal matters, shaping decisions that directly affect residents, staff and services. You will provide trusted, expert legal advice at the most senior level, working closely with Directors, Heads of Service, elected Members and external partners. The role combines deep technical practice with strategic leadership: managing a complex caseload, advising on constitutional and corporate governance matters, supporting the Monitoring Officer, and leading transformational projects that cut across the organisation. This is not a “back office” legal role. You will be a visible, confident adviser in committee rooms and board‑level discussions, influencing outcomes, managing risk and helping the Council deliver its priorities in a challenging operating environment. If you are motivated by work that has real impact, autonomy and profile, this role offers scope and stretch in equal measure.
About the team
You will lead the Employment and Education legal function within a Legal & Governance service that values professionalism, innovation and collaboration. The team provides high‑quality, solutions‑focused advice on complex employment, education and governance issues, supporting services across the borough during periods of reform, scrutiny and change. As part of the Legal Services Extended Management Team, you will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the service — driving improvement, modernisation and new ways of working. You will manage, mentor and develop a small team of skilled lawyers, building capability, confidence and resilience while fostering a supportive, high‑performance culture. The wider organisation is values‑led and politically astute, with senior leaders who understand the importance of strong legal advice and early engagement. You will be encouraged to think strategically, challenge constructively and build strong internal and external relationships that enhance the Council’s reputation and effectiveness.
About you
You will be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX Fellow with significant post‑qualification experience in employment and/or education law, ideally gained within a complex, regulated or public sector environment. You are comfortable handling technically demanding, high‑risk matters and advising senior stakeholders with confidence, clarity and authority. You will already have experience of leading people or services — setting direction, motivating others and managing performance — and be ready to operate at a senior, strategic level. You bring sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical advice that supports good decision‑making. Above all, you are someone who wants to make a difference. You are collaborative, adaptable and values‑driven, with the credibility to lead, the confidence to influence, and the curiosity to keep learning in a fast‑moving environment. If you are looking for a senior legal role where your expertise will be visible, valued and genuinely impactful, this could be the right next step for you.
Working for Haringey
At Haringey Council we are committed to creating a workplace culture where all our people feel valued, included, and able to be their best at work, and we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce so welcome applications from all ethnicities and communities so that we continue to make a difference to our residents and community. Our benefits package includes a leave entitlement of 31 days + bank holidays, potential hybrid working opportunities, health and wellbeing support, a generous local government pension scheme and a range of discount schemes across leisure and culture that provide both financial and money‑saving discounts.
Please note: we reserve the right to end this advert before the noted deadline if we receive sufficient applications. If you wish to apply for this role, please ensure that you do so as soon as possible. Additionally, we are aware that automated emails may be diverted through to junk email folders. Please continue to check these through the application process. If you have any questions about the status of your application, please contact.
Principal Lawyer – Employment, Education & Corporate Governance in London employer: Haringey Jobs London
Haringey Council is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and community spirit thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, the council offers extensive benefits including generous leave entitlements, health and wellbeing support, and opportunities for hybrid working. As part of a forward-thinking team, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact in a borough celebrated for its diversity and ambition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer – Employment, Education & Corporate Governance in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in public law. Attend events or webinars related to employment and education law to meet potential colleagues and mentors.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Haringey Council's recent initiatives and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in handling complex legal matters and how you've influenced outcomes in previous roles. Confidence is key when you're aiming to lead at a senior level.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Haringey.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer – Employment, Education & Corporate Governance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our vibrant community in Haringey.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in employment, education, and corporate governance law. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and how you've made an impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex legal matters!
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 shows you’re serious about joining our team at Haringey.
How to prepare for a job interview at Haringey Jobs London
✨Know Your Stuff
As a Principal Lawyer, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in employment and education law. Brush up on recent case law and relevant legislation that could impact the role. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the complex legal matters Haringey faces.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team and influencing senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and drive performance, as this will be key to your success in the interview.
✨Embrace the Values
Haringey values caring, creativity, courage, collaboration, and community focus. Think about how you embody these values in your work. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've demonstrated these traits, especially in challenging situations.
✨Be Politically Astute
Understanding the political landscape is crucial for this role. Familiarise yourself with Haringey's current challenges and priorities. During the interview, show that you can navigate complex political environments and provide clear, practical legal advice that supports good decision-making.
