At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Regulatory Team, providing strategic legal advice and managing high-profile cases.
- Company: Join a progressive council committed to ethical governance and community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive work environment with a focus on wellbeing and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government while leading a dynamic legal team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with extensive experience in regulatory law.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to manage the Regulatory 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 Regulatory team.
What will you be doing?
- Lead and shape the Regulatory 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 Planning, Highways, Employment, General Litigation and Licensing.
- 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, including strong knowledge of local government law, governance, the Constitution and decision‑making processes.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Pension scheme with significant council contribution, 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, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work‑life balance.
- Employee Assistance Programme and Employee Benefits Scheme.
- Wellbeing support, travel rates at HMRC rates and support for active Employee Network Groups.
Equal Opportunities
We are a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.
Principal Lawyer - Regulatory Team in Corby employer: North Northamptonshire Council
As a Principal Lawyer in the Regulatory Team, you will join a forward-thinking local council that prioritises professional development and employee wellbeing. With a competitive salary, generous leave entitlements, and flexible working arrangements, we foster a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers our staff to excel in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. Our commitment to continuous improvement and ethical governance ensures that you will be part of a high-performing team dedicated to delivering exceptional legal services.
Contact Details:
North Northamptonshire Council Recruitment Team
