Principal Lawyer - Adult Social Care

Medirest Signature; Stafford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority is seeking a senior legal professional to provide expert legal advice, mentor staff, and ensure compliance with legal standards. The role involves managing complex legal cases and developing strategies to enhance legal services. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and a thorough understanding of legislation. Flexible working options are available.

Benefits

Access to rewards and benefits system

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Proven track record in legal advice and representation.
• Ability to mentor and coach legal staff.
• Experience managing complex legal casework.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement best practice legal programmes.
• Support growth of subject matter expertise in LSU.
• Deliver service strategy in subject area.

Skills

Complex legislation interpretation

Excellent communication skills

Commercial awareness

Prioritization and organizational skills

Job description

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives through legal expertise and do you thrive in a committed, friendly, and supportive team?

We are looking for a senior legal professional who will provide expert legal advice, represent clients, and can teach, cascade, and mentor staff in the Legal Services Unit (LSU). You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with legal standards and may also be involved in developing legal strategies.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a Local Authority committed to high legal standards and to making a difference for the benefit of our community. If you are passionate about Adult Social Care and have a proven track record of success, we encourage you to apply now.

Main Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing programmes of development informed by national best practice, current law, and legal developments.
• Supporting the growth of subject matter expertise within LSU, undertaking highly complex, high-risk legal cases, and providing advocacy. Coaching and mentoring colleagues through training and sharing of expert knowledge.
• Developing and delivering a service strategy within your subject area.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a subject matter expert capable of interpreting complex legislation and providing high-quality legal advice to stakeholders.
• Has excellent communication skills to train, mentor, and support legal colleagues.
• Demonstrates commercial awareness and can contribute to the marketing and growth of legal services.
• Possesses strong prioritisation and organisational skills to manage complex legal casework and competing pressures.

We are happy to discuss flexible working options.

If you are unsure whether your skills and experience are suitable for this role or have any questions, please contact Robin Longhurst, Deputy Legal Services Manager at [e-mail] or Imran Razaq, Deputy Legal Services Manager at [e-mail].

Interview date: 21 August 2025

Our Recruitment Process

We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you'll bring to the role.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values

The core of who we are as an organisation. Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice, and they sit at the heart of our People Strategy. They reflect our community spirit, ambition, and forward-looking mindset.

Our Benefits

We recognise that our employees are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and maintain a healthy work-life balance. In addition to your salary, you will have access to our rewards and benefits system.

Our Recruitment Commitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. As part of our commitment, we offer a guaranteed interview to candidates whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.