At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People Team, providing strategic legal advice and managing high-profile cases.
- Company: Join a dynamic council committed to legal excellence and community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with support for disabled applicants and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in complex legal matters.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Lead Legal Excellence for our People Team. We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to manage the People Team for the Council’s Legal Services function, overseeing both in‑house provision and external legal support. Reporting to the Head of Legal, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of the service and providing professional leadership across the People team.
What will you be doing?
- Lead and shape the People Team, setting direction, driving high performance, and ensuring the delivery of timely, solution‑focused legal advice to client services.
- Support the Head of Legal, ensuring strong governance, ethical standards, and that all Council decision‑making is lawful and compliant.
- Provide legal representation and advice to Committees, Sub‑Committees and other Council Boards as required.
- Provide expert advice to client services on complex, high‑risk matters.
- Manage legal risk, overseeing major casework, litigation and ensuring robust risk identification, mitigation, and communication.
- Lead, develop and manage a high‑performing team, promoting professional excellence, continuous improvement and a positive, values‑driven culture.
- Oversee the use of external legal providers, ensuring high‑quality advice and value for money.
- Oversee budgets, efficiency and sustainability.
- Drive service improvement, enhancing systems, processes, and digital capability to deliver modern, effective legal services.
About You
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or FCILEx.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Extensive experience in a relevant specialist area including Childcare, Adult Social Care and Education.
- Experience managing complex, high‑risk and high‑profile legal matters.
- Experience managing staff and leading legal teams of multiple legal disciplines/specialisms.
- Experience in local government or wider public sector with strong knowledge of local government law, governance, the Constitution and decision‑making processes.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Pension scheme with significant contribution, providing life cover and ill‑health protection.
- Opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council.
- Generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, with option to buy up to an extra 10 days.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, where practicable for service needs.
Equality and Diversity Statement
We are a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. We welcome applications from disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. Our Employment and Disability Service provides bespoke support to individuals facing barriers to employment.
Principal Lawyer - People Team in Corby employer: North Northamptonshire Council
As a Principal Lawyer within our People Team, you will thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment that champions professional growth and legal excellence. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our generous leave entitlements, competitive salary, and flexible working arrangements, all designed to foster a positive work culture. Join us in making a meaningful impact within the community while enjoying the benefits of working for a large unitary council dedicated to ethical governance and high-quality legal services.
Contact Details:
North Northamptonshire Council Recruitment Team
