Principal Lawyer (Family) – 5 Month Contract

Summary

Key Responsibilities

Legal Leadership

• Oversee and guide a team of legal experts within the Family Law service.
  
• Deliver expert legal advice and representation on intricate family law issues.
  
• Aid strategic decision-making processes across the Council.
  
• Ensure legal services adhere to Lexcel standards and best practices.
  
• Stay informed on legislative changes, case law, and local government policies.
  

Service Management

• Contribute to the leadership and evolution of Legal Services.
  
• Propel service transformation, modernization, and continuous improvement efforts.
  
• Manage resources, staffing, and external legal expenditures efficiently.
  
• Supervise workload distribution and performance management within the team.
  
• Guarantee timely, high-quality, and cost-effective service delivery.
  

Advocacy & Representation

• Conduct advocacy when necessary or manage representation arrangements.
  
• Engage with:
  • Courts
    
  • Judges
    
  • Magistrates
    
  • CAFCASS
    
  • Police
    
  • External Counsel
    
  • Partner Organizations
    
• Represent the Council in legal proceedings, hearings, and meetings.
  

Strategic & Operational Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational and strategic service plans.
  
• Lead major projects, reviews, and service enhancements.
  
• Support organizational change initiatives.
  
• Evaluate legal risks and advise on mitigation strategies.
  
• Assist in policy development and achieving corporate objectives.
  

People Management

• Lead, inspire, mentor, and develop legal staff.
  
• Foster a culture of high performance.
  
• Conduct performance management, supervision, and coaching.
  
• Ensure effective workforce planning and succession development.
  

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practice in England and Wales.
  
• Current practicing certificate from the relevant regulatory authority.
  
• Extensive experience in Family Law.
  
• Proven experience at a senior leadership or management level.
  
• Strong advocacy skills or a demonstrated aptitude for advocacy.
  
• Experience managing legal teams and resources.
  
• In-depth understanding of:
  • Local Government law
    
  • Family Law proceedings
    
  • Court processes
    
  • Public Law child protection matters
    
• Experience leading organizational change and service improvement.
  
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
  
• Experience managing budgets and resources.
  
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  

Desirable

• Experience in Local Authority legal settings.
  
• Experience in Lexcel-accredited legal practices.
  
• Experience supporting corporate governance and strategic decision-making.
  
• Experience managing external legal providers and Counsel.
  

What's on Offer?

• £65.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 5 Month Contract
  
• Flexible / Hybrid Working
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to lead a Family Law team within a respected Local Authority legal service.
  
• Senior leadership role with strategic influence across the organization.
  
• Exposure to complex legal, governance, and transformational projects.
  
• Modern and flexible working environment.