At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on contracts and procurement while managing complex cases.
- Company: Join a vibrant council in beautiful Hertfordshire with a focus on community and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and offers excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance and support strategic decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with substantial experience in commercial contracts and procurement.
The predicted salary is between 61325 - 70706 £ per year.
About Us
Three Rivers District in South West Hertfordshire straddles the north west corner of the M25 on the edge of Greater London. The district is a mixture of beautiful countryside, villages and small towns. It hosts a diverse range of sectors, including the film industry with Warner Brothers at Leavesden and other studios such as Elstree and Pinewood nearby.
At a Glance
- 700 historic assets and 22 conservation areas, with 77% of the district in the Green Belt
- 1,914 registered businesses providing 39,000 jobs
- Very low crime rate
- High business registrations, start–ups, a highly skilled workforce, and high employment levels with GVA and earnings above average
The Benefits
- Salary of £61,325 - £70,706 per annum
- 29 days’ holiday per annum, rising to 31 days
- Generous employer pension contribution
- Life assurance
- Flexible working
- Career development opportunities
- Free on‑site parking
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme
- Discounted leisure centre membership
- Employee volunteering schemes
- Access to discounted activities and days out
The Role
As a Principal Lawyer, you will provide specialist legal advice on commercial contracts, procurement and governance, leading on complex commercial and procurement matters while supporting senior officers and elected members in making strategic decisions.
- Advise on procurement, subsidy control, contract management and strategic commissioning
- Manage a varied caseload and resolve contractual disputes
- Balance legal risk with operational priorities, supporting effective contractual arrangements
- Support the Monitoring Officer and act as Deputy Monitoring Officer where required
- Advise departments and elected members on the Council's legal powers, duties and functions
- Provide legal advice on employment law matters
- Monitor legislative and policy changes and advise on their implications
- Prepare and review committee reports and provide legal advice at meetings
- Deliver legal training and guidance to officers and members
- Support the supervision and mentoring of junior legal staff
About You
- Qualified Solicitor or Barrister, entitled to practice in England and Wales, with substantial post‑qualification experience in commercial contracts and procurement legislation
- Considerable experience in a senior legal position with a complex organisation
- Extensive experience advising on contracts and procurement matters
- Significant experience drafting and negotiating a wide range of contracts
- Experience drafting and advising on construction, building and engineering contracts
- Experience advising senior officers, elected members and other stakeholders on complex legal issues
- Experience supervising, mentoring or developing junior staff
- Experience managing a substantial and complex caseload and competing priorities
- Detailed knowledge of public procurement law and practice, including the Procurement Act 2023 and associated legislation
- Good knowledge of subsidy control legislation and its application to local government activities
- Broad knowledge of local government law, governance, decision‑making and the statutory framework within which local authorities operate
DBS check will be carried out for this post. The closing date for this role is 26th July 2026.
Equal Opportunities
Webrecruit and Three Rivers District Council are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
Principal Lawyer – Contracts in Rickmansworth employer: Three Rivers District Council
Three Rivers District Council is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque area of Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, where a supportive and close-knit team culture thrives. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including flexible working, and a fulfilling work environment, our staff consistently report high levels of job satisfaction and meaningful engagement in their roles. Join us to make a real difference in the community while enjoying a rewarding career in the public sector.
Contact Details:
Three Rivers District Council Recruitment Team
