Location
London Borough of Islington

Hours
Full Time (35 hours per week)

Salary
£69,660 per annum

About the Role
Following a recent reorganisation, exciting opportunities have arisen within Legal Services for a dedicated, enthusiastic Principal Property Lawyer. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for public service, this could be your next career step.

We are looking for a dynamic and strategic legal professional to join our high-performing in-house team as a Principal Lawyer. You will assist in leading the delivery of the service within your area of responsibility and manage, influence, and direct employees in accordance with the Council’s policies, procedures, and performance management framework to achieve service and corporate objectives.

Your duties will include managing and monitoring all aspects of your service area’s performance against agreed targets, reporting to the Head of Legal on performance and improvement plans, and providing timely, relevant advice and guidance to senior officers and elected members.

You will work collaboratively with client departments, ensuring regular liaison meetings and timely resolution of service delivery issues. Evaluating information from client departments, forward plans, and legislative changes will help you steer service delivery appropriately.

Additional responsibilities include contributing to budget and target setting, ensuring effective financial performance, and supporting the Council’s wider corporate plan through innovative service delivery.

As a positive leader, you will lead by example with integrity, instilling clear purpose and direction while motivating, empowering, and training your team to optimise their skills and performance.

You will deputise for the Head of Legal, act as an advocate on behalf of the Council in relevant courts, tribunals, and inquiries, and instruct Counsel as necessary. You will scrutinise, comment on, and prepare legal implications for reports to the Council and its committees, attend relevant meetings to provide legal advice, and work collaboratively within Law and Governance and with senior Council managers and members.

You may also be required to carry out duties elsewhere in Law and Governance commensurate with the grading of the post.

Working for Our Organisation
You will be part of the legal services department managing a team dealing with all aspects of housing litigation, associated advice, and disputes.

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. Our sense of purpose is clear: we serve. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and recognise that to look after the place and the planet, we must look after our people. Together, we can change the future.

We strive to create a more equal Islington where everyone has an equal chance to thrive. Our values—collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering (CARE)—guide everything we do and embody what public service means to us.

Our staff benefits include up to 31 days leave per year (increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service), flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance, learning and development opportunities, competitive pay with a commitment to the London Living Wage minimum, an excellent local government pension scheme, Cycle to Work scheme, discounted gym memberships, and local discounts from restaurants, shops, and health and beauty therapists.

Experience
Proven experience as a senior legal professional with expertise in property law and housing litigation. Experience managing and leading teams within a legal services environment is essential. Ability to provide strategic legal advice and represent the Council in courts, tribunals, and inquiries.

About You
You are a dynamic, strategic, and enthusiastic individual who thrives in a fast-paced public service environment. You demonstrate positive leadership, integrity, and the ability to motivate and empower your team. You work collaboratively across departments and with senior stakeholders, maintaining a strong focus on service delivery and continuous improvement.

You are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and actively contribute to creating an inclusive workplace culture aligned with the Council’s CARE values.

Qualifications
Qualified solicitor or equivalent legal qualification with relevant experience in property law. Membership of the Solicitors Regulation Authority or equivalent professional body is required. Commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to professional standards.

Additional Information
Employment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks including proof of right to work in the UK, references, occupational health clearance, and DBS check where applicable.

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and provides support for reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and career.