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- Tasks: Lead a specialist legal team in Childcare and Adult Social Care law.
- Company: Local authority in the Southwest with a focus on community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible hybrid working, and leadership opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with excellent career progression and a referral scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during organisational change while guiding a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with significant experience in Childcare Law.
Principal Lawyer Rate: £60-£70 per hour – Negotiable DOE Contract Length: 6-month initial contract Southwest Local Authority Flexible Hybrid Working – 2 days per week in office Spencer Clarke Group are working with a local authority in the Southwest region to find an outstanding Principal Lawyer to lead its specialist team, with a primary focus on Childcare Law and a secondary focus on Adult Social Care Law. This is a pivotal leadership role during a period of organisational change, where you will provide stability, direction, and expertise to a high-performing legal team. A visible office presence is required to ensure strong team cohesion, effective collaboration, and proactive leadership. Key Responsibilities Lead, manage, and develop a team of specialist lawyers and legal officers within Childcare and Adult Social Care law. Provide expert legal advice to senior leaders, Members, and committees on complex and high-profile matters. Contribute to strategic decision-making across the Council, balancing legal risk, governance, and service priorities. Supervise case allocation, oversee complex casework (including Judicial Reviews), and ensure robust quality assurance. About You Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Legal Executive with a current practising certificate. Significant experience in Childcare Law (essential) and Adult Social Care Law (desirable). Strong leadership and people management skills, with proven experience guiding teams through change. Excellent advocacy, communication, and influencing skills. Resilient, politically astute, and confident handling complex and sensitive legal matters.If you\’re interested in this role, click the apply button or contact Max using the details below: (phone number removed) Our legal specialist, Max, has extensive experience across all areas of the legal market and recruits for positions at every level – from legal assistants and paralegals through to Directors of Legal and Monitoring Officers. If this particular role isn\’t quite right for you, but you\’d like to explore other opportunities, please get in touch using the contact details above for a confidential discussion about the market. We are also proud to offer a market-leading referral scheme, with rewards of up to £300. If you know someone who might be a great fit for this or another legal role, simply ask them to send their CV to Max – and don\’t forget to include your own details so we can ensure you receive your referral bonus if they are successful. INDSCGMC
Principal Lawyer employer: Spencer Clarke Group
Contact Detail:
Spencer Clarke Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in Childcare and Adult Social Care Law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed teams through change and provided expert legal advice. We want to see your confidence shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your advocacy skills during interviews. Use real-life examples to demonstrate how you've influenced decisions and handled complex legal matters. This is your chance to impress with your communication prowess!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always here to help you navigate the job market and find the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Lawyer role. Highlight your experience in Childcare Law and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your leadership and legal expertise, especially in Childcare and Adult Social Care Law.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've guided teams through change and any successful outcomes you've achieved. We love to see strong leaders!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spencer Clarke Group
✨Know Your Law Inside Out
As a Principal Lawyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in Childcare Law and Adult Social Care Law. Brush up on recent cases and legislation, and be ready to discuss how they impact the local authority's operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change, managed complex casework, and provided guidance to junior lawyers. Highlight your approach to fostering team cohesion.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about past experiences where you had to balance legal risks with service priorities, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Your advocacy and communication skills are crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex legal matters. Remember, you want to convey not just knowledge, but also your ability to influence and advise effectively.