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- Tasks: Lead a team in handling complex legal matters related to property, planning, and contracts.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Council dedicated to eradicating poverty and serving the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a strategic impact while developing a high-performing legal service in local government.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with 8+ years of experience in relevant legal areas.
- Other info: This role requires a criminal record disclosure; applications may close early due to high interest.
The predicted salary is between 61000 - 65000 £ per year.
Principal Solicitor – Property, Planning and Contracts
3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated legal professional to lead our Property, Planning and Contracts Team as Principal Solicitor. This is a senior leadership role within Legal Services, offering the opportunity to make a strategic impact while managing a team of dedicated and experienced legal specialists. As a member of the Legal Services Management Team, you will contribute to the overall direction and success of the division, helping to shape a high-performing legal service that supports the Council\’s objectives and statutory obligations.
About The Job
Salary: £61,745 – £64,987 a year plus £3,203 car benefit allowance
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
You will be the lead professional on all legal matters relating to property, planning, contracts, and procurement. The role requires advising at the highest level within the Council, including Members of the Executive and Corporate Directors, often on complex and sensitive matters. You will oversee legal work, ensure timely and high-quality delivery, and develop your team\’s professional skills. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in shaping internal processes, improving performance management, and ensuring value through external legal commissions when necessary.
This is a unique opportunity for a senior legal expert to work at the heart of local government, addressing key legal challenges while building a high-performing legal service.
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
About You
You are a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with over eight years of post-qualification experience in English law, with significant expertise in at least three of the following areas: property law (including commercial conveyancing), planning law, contracts, compulsory purchase and compensation, or administrative law. Your strong grounding in local government law allows you to navigate complex legal frameworks and provide strategic advice to officers and elected members.
You have a proven track record of managing and motivating legal teams, developing talent, and fostering a culture of high performance. You are confident, articulate, with excellent legal drafting and communication skills. A strategic thinker with sound judgment, you are decisive under pressure and able to balance demands effectively. You are committed to equality and understand relevant legislation in legal practice and public service.
If you are eager to lead a specialist team and contribute to the legal and governance framework of a forward-thinking Council, we would love to hear from you.
About Us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision aims to eradicate poverty in Luton. We value our talented, committed, and passionate workforce dedicated to serving residents.
We welcome applications from all community sections and strive to reflect the diversity of our borough.
Application Process
This role requires a criminal record disclosure, as it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must declare all unspent cautions, convictions, and relevant spent convictions. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify you, but failure to disclose may lead to disciplinary action.
Note: We may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.
Benefits
- From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave, linked to service and grade
- Buy additional leave through the scheme
- Career development opportunities
- Generous pension contributions up to 20.2%
- Relocation package up to £8,000 (eligibility dependent)
- Employee Assistance Programme: free 24/7 confidential support
- Flexible working options, including remote work
- Training, mentoring, and career pathways
- Staff discounts on various services
- Arriva Travel Club discounts
How To Apply
We appreciate your effort in preparing a high-quality application. Visit our ‘How to apply’ page for tips to make your application stand out.
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Principal Solicitor - Property, Planning and Contracts employer: Luton Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Luton Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Solicitor - Property, Planning and Contracts
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in local government law. Attend relevant legal seminars or workshops where you can meet current employees or leaders in the field. This can provide you with insights into the role and help you make valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Council's current legal challenges and initiatives, particularly those related to property, planning, and contracts. This knowledge will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their objectives during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing legal teams. Be ready to provide examples of how you've developed talent and fostered high performance in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Principal Solicitor position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on recent changes in property and planning law, as well as any relevant local government policies. Demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning will show that you're proactive and well-prepared for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Solicitor - Property, Planning and Contracts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in property law, planning law, and contracts. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and leadership skills, particularly in managing legal teams and advising senior stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the role and the Council's objectives. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, emphasising your strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex legal frameworks.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications as a Solicitor or Barrister, including your post-qualification experience. Mention any specific training or certifications that relate to local government law or the areas of expertise required for the role.
Prepare for Disclosure Requirements: Since this role requires a criminal record disclosure, be ready to provide all necessary information regarding any unspent cautions or convictions. Transparency is key, so ensure you understand the implications and are prepared to discuss them if needed.
How to prepare for a job interview at Luton Borough Council
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a Principal Solicitor, you'll need to demonstrate your extensive knowledge in property, planning, and contracts. Prepare specific examples from your past experience that highlight your expertise in these areas, especially any complex legal matters you've successfully navigated.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team, so be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've motivated and developed legal teams in the past. Share instances where you've fostered a high-performance culture and how you handle challenges within a team setting.
✨Understand Local Government Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with the local government framework and the specific challenges it faces. Be prepared to discuss how your strategic thinking can contribute to the Council's objectives and how you can navigate the complexities of local government law.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and judgement under pressure. Think about potential legal challenges the Council might face and how you would approach them, ensuring you articulate your thought process clearly.
