Principal Lawyer - Planning and Property | East London / Hybrid | up to £68,784

The Opportunity:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Lawyer to lead on high‑profile property and planning matters within a forward‑thinking public sector legal team. This role is with an East London Borough and is being offered on a permanent basis.

The Role:

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This senior Lawyer role is ideal for someone who thrives on complex, high‑impact casework, providing authoritative advice to senior officers and councillors, and shaping strategic policy across a wide range of development and regeneration projects. Previous management experience is essential.

As Principal Lawyer, you will:

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• Lead and manage a specialist team of lawyers and legal officers
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• Act as the organisation’s primary expert in property and/or planning law
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• Handle the most complex and high‑risk matters across the caseload
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• Provide advocacy at hearings, inquiries, tribunals, and courts
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• Draft, negotiate and finalise complex legal agreements
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• Advise on governance, probity, policy development and legislative changes
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• Work closely with internal departments, external partners, barristers, and consultants
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• Support major projects, helping to protect financial and reputational interests
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• Contribute to service planning, income generation and continuous improvement
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About You:

We are seeking a specialist legal professional with deep expertise in areas such as:

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• Landlord & Tenant matters
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• Easements, wayleaves, leasehold extensions & enfranchisement
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• Right to Buy transactions
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• Planning and highways agreements (including S106 and S278)
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• Compulsory purchase, appropriations & land acquisition/disposal
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• Local Government law and governance
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You will be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with:

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• Significant experience in property law within a complex environment
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• Strong advocacy skills and confidence handling contentious matters
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• Proven ability to supervise, mentor and develop legal colleagues
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• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative working style
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• A strategic approach, with the ability to assess risk and influence decision-making
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• Previous management experience
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• Up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant legislation, case law and local government practice
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You will be joining a supportive, professional legal service where your expertise will be valued and your leadership will help drive excellence across the team. This is a great time to join a local authority that has recently gone through a period of transformation and modernisation.

This is a hybrid working role with 2 days per week in the office.

Apply now:

Please use the apply button below to submit your CV.