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- Tasks: Lead a team in high-profile property and planning legal matters.
- Company: Dynamic East London Borough with a forward-thinking legal team.
- Benefits: Permanent role with hybrid working and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team during an exciting transformation phase.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community development and regeneration projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with significant property law experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Lawyer to lead on high‑profile property and planning matters within a forward‑thinking public sector legal team. This role is with an East London Borough and is being offered on a permanent basis.
We are seeking a specialist legal professional with deep expertise in areas such as:
- Landlord & Tenant matters
- Easements, wayleaves, leasehold extensions & enfranchisement
- Right to Buy transactions
- Planning and highways agreements (including S106 and S278)
- Compulsory purchase, appropriations & land acquisition/disposal
- Local Government law and governance
This senior role is ideal for someone who thrives on complex, high‑impact casework, providing authoritative advice to senior officers and councillors, and shaping strategic policy across a wide range of development and regeneration projects. Previous management experience is essential.
The Role
As Principal Lawyer, you will:
- Lead and manage a specialist team of lawyers and legal officers
- Act as the organisation’s primary expert in property and/or planning law
- Handle the most complex and high‑risk matters across the caseload
- Provide advocacy at hearings, inquiries, tribunals, and courts
- Draft, negotiate and finalise complex legal agreements
- Advise on governance, probity, policy development and legislative changes
- Work closely with internal departments, external partners, barristers, and consultants
- Support major projects, helping to protect financial and reputational interests
- Contribute to service planning, income generation and continuous improvement
About You
You will be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with:
- Significant experience in property law within a complex environment
- Strong advocacy skills and confidence handling contentious matters
- Proven ability to supervise, mentor and develop legal colleagues
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative working style
- A strategic approach, with the ability to assess risk and influence decision-making
- Previous management experience
- Up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant legislation, case law and local government practice
You will join a supportive, professional legal service where your expertise will be valued and your leadership will help drive excellence across the team. This is a great time to join a local authority that has recently gone through a period of transformation and modernisation.
This is a hybrid working role with 2 days per week in the office.
To register an interest in the role, please send an updated CV to zalex@lawabsolute.com
Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.
At LAW Absolute we endeavour to respond to all applications within 48 hours. However due to the volume of applications we receive we may not be able to respond to every candidate individually. If you have not heard from us within a 48 hour timeframe your application has not been successful and your details have not been retained. LAW Absolute acts as an employment business for temporary recruitment and as an employment agency for fixed term contract and permanent recruitment.
Principal Solicitor (Property/Planning) in City of London employer: LAW Absolute
Contact Detail:
LAW Absolute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Solicitor (Property/Planning) in City of London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in property law and planning. Share specific examples of complex cases you've handled and how you’ve made an impact. This will help you stand out as the go-to expert they need!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their recent projects and challenges. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help them navigate high-profile property and planning matters. Confidence is key, so practice your responses and come across as the strategic leader they’re looking for.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Principal Solicitor role! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative and show genuine interest in joining our forward-thinking team. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Solicitor (Property/Planning) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in property and planning law. We want to see how your skills match the specific requirements of the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
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 Principal Solicitor role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities in public sector legal work.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a team, make sure to highlight your previous management experience. We want to know how you've mentored and developed others, so share some examples that demonstrate your leadership style.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at LAW Absolute
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key areas of property and planning law mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with recent case law and local government practices, especially around landlord and tenant matters, easements, and planning agreements. This will show that you're not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to discuss your previous management experience. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or mentored colleagues. Highlight how your leadership has positively impacted case outcomes or team dynamics.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions that test your ability to handle complex and high-risk matters. Prepare scenarios from your past experience where you navigated tricky legal situations or provided strategic advice. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, ongoing projects, and the organisation's vision for the future. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!