Principal Lawyer

Old Moat; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Greater Manchester is seeking a qualified solicitor or barrister to join its Children and Families Legal Team. The role requires relevant qualifications and experience in handling sensitive family law cases. The council promotes a flexible working environment and offers generous benefits, including a strong pension scheme and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Pension scheme

Enhanced parental leave

Volunteering leave

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrate a broad range of complex, sensitive cases in children and family law.
• Managerial experience via direct management or project delivery is desirable.

Skills

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Planning and Organising

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Strategic Thinking

Creative skills

Policy Skills

People Management

Education

Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX qualification

Job description

About The Role

Working hours: 35 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 11.59pm, 5 October 2025
Interview method: in person
This role is subject to:

• 2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Qualification -Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX (with advocacy rights) and registration with Law Society, Bar Counsel or CILEX

We are looking for a dynamic qualified solicitor, barrister or Chartered Lawyer or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives to join our Children and Families Legal Team.

Manchester City Council has grown its team of effective team of lawyers, legal officers and business support team who produce amazing, outstanding results with an enhanced vision for the future.

Why work with us?

We offer our lawyers flexible start and finish times with an effective hybrid working-practice model. There's opportunity for development and variety thanks to the way our teams practise in our Lexcel-accredited and supported legal service.

About the Candidate

You will be able to demonstrate that you have acquired the following skills with examples from your career so far

• Communication Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Planning and Organising
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Strategic Thinking
• Creative skills
• Policy Skills
• People Management
• Relevant experience and expertise of dealing with a broad range of complex, highly valued and sensitive cases relating to children and family law
• Managerial experience via direct management of people or project delivery related management is desirable

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays.
• A buzzing pension - You'll be enrolled in the UK's largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.
• Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+.
• Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive.
• A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments : Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
• Accessible Formats : Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long-term condition

When You Join Us

We're a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email.

What we will need from you if you're successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you've applied for.

• Proof of Right to Work : You'll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK.
• References : We'll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
• Proof of Qualifications : Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required.