Bi-Borough Principal Solicitor: Planning, Highways & Licensing

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is seeking a Principal Lawyer to lead a specialist legal team advising on planning, highways and licensing matters in two central London authorities. You will oversee about ten legal professionals and handle a demanding caseload while guiding senior officers and elected members on complex decisions.

You’ll attend committee meetings, shape policy, and promote technical excellence and inclusive service delivery within a fast-moving local government

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with practising status in England and Wales.
• Strong experience leading or managing legal teams.
• Expertise in planning, highways and licensing law.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of around ten legal professionals delivering high‑quality advice to support Council priorities.
• Manage a caseload of complex planning matters and advise senior officers and elected members.
• Attend committee meetings to provide legal, procedural and governance guidance.

Skills

Planning law

Highways law

Licensing law

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Public sector governance

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister

Job description

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is seeking a Principal Lawyer to lead a specialist legal team advising on planning, highways and licensing matters in two central London authorities. You will oversee about ten legal professionals and handle a demanding caseload while guiding senior officers and elected members on complex decisions.

You’ll attend committee meetings, shape policy, and promote technical excellence and inclusive service delivery within a fast-moving local government