At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Social Care and Education legal team, providing expert legal guidance.
- Company: Join Halton Borough Council, a vibrant local authority with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to supporting all employees.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in social care and education while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Post-qualification experience in law and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58356 - 61495 £ per year.
Salary: £58,356 – £61,495 (pay award pending) inclusive of a Market supplement of £7k which will be reviewed in December 2027. (This is subject to an earlier removal should there be rationale to do so)
Job Reference: haltoncouncil/TP/1238/502
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37
Closing Date: 2 August, 2026
Job Category: Legal
Department: Legal and Democratic Services
Location: Halton Borough Council, United Kingdom
DBS Check: Standard
Posted on: 6 July, 2026
Our Story:
Halton is a vibrant local authority with a rich history and heritage, featuring two iconic bridges that connect communities across the River Mersey. Located in Cheshire, Halton boasts excellent transport links between Liverpool and Manchester, as well as close proximity to both Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester Airports. Our progressive community strategy aims to bring about meaningful, long-term improvements that enhance lives. It’s an exciting time to join us as we develop new policies and transform the way people access services. We are immensely proud that when asked what’s great about working for Halton, the most popular response from our workforce has been ‘our colleagues’.
Our Team:
We are seeking to recruit a Principal Lawyer – Social Care, Education & Safeguarding. In this role, you will join our Social Care legal team and take responsibility for managing our Child Care, Adult Social Care, and Education legal services. The Legal Team at Halton Borough Council plays a pivotal role in supporting the Authority by providing high-quality, timely, and business-focused legal and procedural advice. As Principal Lawyer, you will lead the Social Care and Education legal team, delivering expert legal guidance in line with the direction of the Head of Service. Our team is dedicated to providing advice that is both efficient and cost-effective, ensuring the Council receives best value while addressing the complex and evolving needs of the local community.
Your Contributions:
- Substantial post-qualification experience.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including drafting complex legal documentation, providing advice under time pressure, meeting deadlines, and negotiating effectively.
- Strong collaborative approach, with proven experience working with a wide range of stakeholders and building effective relationships with clients and internal teams.
- Demonstrable ability to manage a team alongside the competing demands of an active caseload, using a proactive, problem-solving approach.
- Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office or equivalent systems (e.g. G Suite, Mosaic).
- A driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential requirements.
Our Offer:
Aside from working with a great team, our employees have access to a fantastic range of benefits, including:
- Essential Car User Allowance – £1,000 per annum
- A generous annual holiday allowance starting at 34 days per year (including bank holidays), increasing with long service with the option to purchase an additional four-days of unpaid leave for our Annual Christmas Closedown
- Membership of our defined benefit, salary-linked Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions
- 3 x Salary Life Cover via Local Government Pension Scheme
- Investment in your personal development
- Free Car Parking at HBC sites
- Flexible working arrangements
- Extensive employee benefits platform including discounted shopping, car leasing, gym memberships, wellbeing hub and Employee Assistance Programme.
Next Steps:
At Halton Borough Council, we want all of our candidates to feel well-informed so if you would like to have an informal chat about this role, please contact Jayne Doran Head of Legal Social Care, Education and Safeguarding. Jayne.Doran@halton.gov.uk or 0151 511 5189. At Halton Borough Council we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce and a vital part of this is to encourage diversity in all respects. We are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and tailored to best suit the needs and strength of the individual. This includes making adjustments for people with a disability, neurodiversity or with long-term health conditions. If you require accommodations, please reach out during the recruitment process so that we can make this the best possible experience for you – resourcing@halton.gov.uk. Please refer to the attached Job Profile for further information about the role and our values. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications.
Principal Lawyer – Social Care, Education & Safeguarding employer: NW Legal Consortium
Halton Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where colleagues are valued and encouraged to grow. With a generous benefits package that includes a substantial holiday allowance, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to personal development, employees can thrive both professionally and personally while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in the vibrant area of Halton, with excellent transport links and a focus on progressive community strategies, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the well-being of local residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer – Social Care, Education & Safeguarding
✨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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer – Social Care, Education & Safeguarding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at NW Legal Consortium, 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 NW Legal Consortium and the specific role of Principal Lawyer – Social Care, Education & Safeguarding. 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 NW Legal Consortium’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at NW Legal Consortium
✨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 NW Legal Consortium.
✨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 NW Legal Consortium.
