Location
London Borough of Lambeth, South London

Hours
Full Time - Hybrid Working

Salary
£78,000 - £83,000 per annum depending on experience (including £5,000 per annum market supplement)*
Additional £5,000 welcome bonus payable 50% after 6 months and 50% after 12 months in the role

About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Lambeth Council’s legal department for a Principal Lawyer specialising in Property, Planning and Regeneration. You will manage a team and a challenging caseload, providing innovative and pragmatic legal advice primarily on planning and property matters, alongside other legal areas as required. This varied role requires a highly organised, proactive, and flexible individual able to work under pressure and meet competing deadlines while maintaining quality assurance and performance standards.

You will lead, direct, develop, and improve legal services to operational teams, focusing on planning, highways, and property to ensure excellent service and value for money. You will also work closely with the Assistant Director of Legal Services on corporate activities and transformation plans.

Lambeth Council offers a flexible, modern working environment equipped with the technology needed to balance the pressures of a busy role. We welcome applications from qualified Solicitors, Barristers, or Fellows of the Institute of Legal Executives (or equivalent), ideally with public sector experience, though private sector applicants are encouraged to apply.

*Salary subject to review

About Us
Lambeth Council is committed to bold ambitions for the future of its communities through the Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth’. Our transformational One Lambeth Programme ensures we are ‘connected by purpose’ to deliver excellence. We embrace our One Lambeth Values and Behaviours: Equity, Ambition, Kindness, and Accountability.

About the Borough
Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth is a vibrant borough with over 317,600 residents. It stretches from Streatham in the South to Waterloo in the North and is the 9th largest borough in London. Lambeth is proud of its diversity, with over 130 languages spoken and communities including the Windrush generation, London’s largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking population. The borough offers exceptional schools, green spaces such as Brockwell Park, cultural institutions like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned facilities including St Thomas's Hospital.

About the Team
You will join a team of lawyers providing innovative and pragmatic legal advice to a range of internal clients, predominantly in planning and property matters.

How to Apply
To be considered, please submit your CV and supporting statement clearly demonstrating how you meet the shortlist criteria. We operate an anonymised application process, so please remove personal details before uploading your documents.

Recruitment Timelines
Closing date: 11:59 pm on Sunday 19th October 2025.

Benefits
- Participation in 5 Staff Networks: Black, Asian, and Multi-Ethnic, LGBTQ+, Disability, Young Professionals, and Women's
- Generous annual leave starting at 27 days, increasing up to 35 days depending on length of service
- Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Hybrid Working
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Occupational Sick Pay based on length of service
- Discounts at local restaurants and Active Lambeth Gyms
- Learning and Development opportunities including Apprenticeships
- Cycle to Work Scheme and secure bike storage at Town Hall and Civic Centre
- Trade Union Membership

Lambeth Council is committed to equal opportunities, safer recruitment, and is proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and guarantees interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria. We actively support applications from Lambeth Care Leavers.

Experience
Proven experience managing a legal team and handling a busy caseload, ideally within the public sector. Experience in property, planning, and regeneration law is essential. Ability to provide innovative, pragmatic legal advice and manage competing deadlines effectively.

About you
Enthusiastic, proactive, and solution-focused with strong organisational skills. Able to work under pressure and maintain high standards of quality assurance and performance. Committed to delivering excellent service and value for money. Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and corporate transformation initiatives.

Qualifications
Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (or equivalent relevant qualification). Public sector experience preferred but private sector candidates are welcome.