Principal Lawyer

Old Moat; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Manchester is seeking a Principal Lawyer Technical Specialist focused on public law within the Children & Families Legal Group. Candidates must be qualified solicitors or barristers with relevant authorisations, ensuring high-quality representation for Children's Services. This permanent full-time role includes hybrid working arrangements, generous leave, and a strong commitment to inclusion and professional development, making it a rewarding opportunity for experienced legal professionals.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Local government pension scheme

Enhanced parental leave

Learning opportunities

Volunteering leave

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, Chartered Lawyer, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.
• DBS clearance is required.
• No sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

Responsibilities

• Manage and represent Children's Services effectively.
• Contribute to children's safety and needs.
• Work in a supportive team environment.

Skills

Qualified Solicitor

Litigation Conduct Authorisation

Chartered Lawyer

Advocacy Certificate

Education

Current practising certificate

Job description

About The Role

Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time

Closing date: 11.59pm, 23 January 2026

Interview method: Face to Face

This role is subject to:

• Qualification and Registration: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister (with Litigation Conduct Authorisation), Chartered Lawyer or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (with Advocacy Certificate) holding a current practising certificate.
• DBS clearance: Candidates will be required to apply for a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service check. Information will be handled confidentially in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice.
• Political activity restrictions: This post is classified as politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, and related legislation. Further guidance will be provided in the appointment documents.

Career progression in this role offers the opportunity to gain hands‑on management experience while continuing as a technical specialist. The Principal Lawyer Technical Specialist will sit in the Public Law Sub Group of the Children & Families Legal Group.

Core Values

At the heart of everything we do is:

• the safety and needs of children
• high‑quality representation of Children’s Services

We support each other through teamwork, shared expertise, and a strong sense of belonging, which enables us to achieve our collective goals.

About the Candidate

• ★Are your skills and legal mind being rewarded?
• ★Do you work together as part of a supportive team?
• ★Is your work wide‑range and varied?
• ★Are you achieving your goals?

Be part of our ongoing incredible journey.

We offer flexible start and finish times within a hybrid working model, with opportunities for development and variety through our Lexcel‑accredited legal service.

About Us

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. Working for Manchester is more than a job – it’s a chance to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives while strengthening communities and driving innovation in public services.

Benefits We Offer

• Generous holiday allowance: Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increases to 31 days after five years of service. Additional leave can be purchased.
• A buzzing pension: Enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with life cover.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave: Extended family leave options.
• Brilliant perks: Discounts on shop, holidays, phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work, flu jabs and eye tests.
• Learn and grow: Diverse learning opportunities, including workshops, training, apprenticeships, and qualifications.
• Good Employment Charter: Secure, flexible work, annual pay review, trade union recognition, and wellbeing support.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave: Pro‑rated paid volunteering leave.

Creating an Inclusive Team

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 during the interview.
• Accessible Formats: Tools are available for text‑to‑speech, translation, adjustable size and colour.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the minimum shortlisting requirement and identify with at least one of the following criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• People with a disability or long‑term condition

When You Join Us

• A workplace adjustment hub providing specialist support and advice.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network.
• Commitment to accessibility standards and disability‑friendly workplaces.

Key Requirements

Successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before employment commences. This role does not sponsor under the Skilled Worker route.

Pre‑Employment Checks

• Proof of Right to Work
• References from current and previous employers
• Proof of Qualifications relevant to the role
• Disclosure and Barring Service check (depending on the role)

Other Relevant Information

We commit to adaptations for duties that may need to be redesignated if unachievable.

Contact

For an informal discussion, please email Jonathan Broad, Assistant Director, Legal & Democratic Services, Children & Families Legal Services: [e-mail]. Submit your CV and a detailed expression of interest outlining how your skills and experience match the role profile.

We Value Transparency

Artificial Intelligence can support your application, but all statements must be truthful and based on your own experience. Plagiarism or misrepresentation may lead to application withdrawal.

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