At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Commercial Team, providing expert legal advice and managing complex cases.
- Company: Join North Northamptonshire Council, a vibrant and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to professional excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or FCILEx with extensive legal experience.
The predicted salary is between 59077 - 62879 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to manage the Commercial 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 Commercial team.
The Principal Lawyer is a senior member of Legal Services, responsible for delivering high-quality legal advice, leading complex casework and supporting the organisation’s strategic objectives. The role ensures that legal risk is effectively managed while enabling informed decision-making across the organisation.
What will you be doing?
- Lead and shape the Commercial 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 to include Contracts & Procurement and Property.
- 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.
Our benefits
Here at North Northamptonshire Council, we’re transforming for the better, using all our creativity and imagination to create the best life for our local people. You’ll find that we have a wide range of careers that may be more surprising than you think!
We offer a vibrant working environment with:
- a competitive salary
- a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
- lots of opportunities to develop your 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, where practicable for service needs to help you with a healthy work-life balance.
We provide a range of great benefits such as an Employee Assistance Programme, an Employee Benefits Scheme, wellbeing support, travel rates at HMRC rates, as well as supporting a range of active Employee Network Groups.
Our Values and Behaviours
Our values define who we are and how we operate, by forming the foundation for how we interact with our customers, colleagues and provide our services. They are also at the forefront of our decision making and delivery and are: Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive, Trustworthy.
Disability Confident Employer
We are proud to be a recognised Disability Confident Employer and is committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. Our Employment and Disability Service provides bespoke support to individuals facing barriers to employment, helping them work towards their goals to start, stay and succeed in employment.
Armed Forces Community
The council obtained the Gold status award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Principal Lawyer - Commercial Team in Corby employer: Northamptonshire Sport
At North Northamptonshire Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As a Principal Lawyer in our Commercial Team, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous leave entitlements, and opportunities for professional development within a supportive environment. Our commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on community impact makes us an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer - Commercial Team in Corby
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Northamptonshire Sport, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Commercial Team in Corby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Northamptonshire Sport, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Northamptonshire Sport and the specific role of Principal Lawyer - Commercial Team. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Northamptonshire Sport’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northamptonshire Sport
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Northamptonshire Sport.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Northamptonshire Sport.
