Location
222 Upper St, London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£69,660 per annum

About the Role
Following a recent reorganisation, exciting opportunities have arisen within Legal Services for a dedicated and enthusiastic Principal Contracts Lawyer. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for public service, this could be your next career step. You will join a high-performing in-house legal team and assist in leading the delivery of services within your area of responsibility. This role involves managing, influencing, and directing employees in line with Council policies and performance frameworks to achieve service and corporate objectives.

You will manage and monitor all aspects of your service area’s performance against agreed targets, reporting to the Head of Legal on performance levels and improvement plans. Providing timely, relevant, and intelligent legal advice and guidance to senior officers and elected members is a key responsibility. You will work collaboratively with client departments, ensuring regular liaison meetings and prompt resolution of service delivery issues.

Evaluating information from client departments, forward plans, and legislative changes will help steer service delivery appropriately. You will contribute to budget and target setting, ensuring effective financial performance within your remit and supporting the Council’s wider corporate plan. The role requires positive leadership, leading by example with integrity, motivating and empowering your team to optimise their skills and performance.

Additional responsibilities include deputising for the Head of Legal, acting as an advocate for the Council in courts, tribunals, and inquiries, instructing Counsel as necessary, and scrutinising legal implications for Council reports and committees. You will attend relevant meetings to provide legal advice and work collaboratively across Law and Governance and with senior Council managers and members. Duties may also include other tasks commensurate with the post’s grading.

Working for our Organisation
You will be part of the Legal Services department managing a team dealing with all aspects of disrepair law, associated advice, and disputes. Islington Council is committed to challenging inequality and creating a more equal borough. Our values—collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering (CARE)—guide everything we do. We offer a supportive environment with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Benefits
Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
A range of flexible working arrangements and a 35-hour working week to support work-life balance
Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
Competitive pay with a commitment to paying the London Living Wage minimum
Excellent local government pension scheme
Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more

Experience
Proven experience as a strategic legal professional, ideally within public sector or local government legal services. Experience managing teams and delivering high-quality legal advice in a fast-paced environment is essential.

About you
You are a dynamic and motivated individual with strong leadership skills and a commitment to public service. You demonstrate integrity, resourcefulness, and the ability to empower and develop your team. You work collaboratively across departments and with senior stakeholders, maintaining a focus on delivering excellent service and value for money. You are adaptable to change and committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Qualifications
Qualified solicitor or equivalent legal qualification with relevant experience in contracts law or related legal fields. Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of legislative changes affecting service delivery.