Principal Lawyer - Highways and Rights of Way

Staffordshire County Council; Stafford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a senior legal professional to provide expert legal advice, represent clients, and mentor staff within its Legal Services Unit. The ideal candidate will have legal expertise, excellent communication skills, and strong organizational abilities. This role offers the opportunity to shape legal strategies and contribute to community benefit while being part of a supportive team with flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Access to rewards and benefits program

Flexible working arrangements

Support for career development

Qualifications

• Expert in interpreting complex legislation.
• Strong communication skills for training colleagues.
• Ability to manage complex cases effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and represent clients.
• Support growth of legal expertise and mentor staff.
• Create and execute marketing strategy for legal services.

Skills

Legal expertise

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

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 seeking a senior legal professional to provide expert legal advice, represent clients, and mentor staff within the Legal Services Unit (LSU). The role involves ensuring legal compliance and contributing to the development of legal strategies.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with a Local Authority dedicated to high legal standards and community benefit. If you have a passion for Highways and Rights of Way and a proven track record, we encourage you to apply.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and implement development programmes based on best practices, current laws, and legal developments.
• Support the growth of legal expertise within LSU, handle complex legal cases, and provide advocacy. Mentor and train colleagues to share knowledge and skills.
• Create and execute a marketing strategy for legal services within your area of expertise.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an expert in interpreting complex legislation and providing high-quality legal advice to diverse stakeholders.
• Has excellent communication skills to train and support colleagues' development.
• Possesses commercial awareness and can contribute to marketing and expanding legal services.
• Has strong organisational skills to manage complex cases and priorities effectively.

We are open to flexible working arrangements.

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

Interview date: 21 August 2025

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to focus on relevant qualifications. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to demonstrate what you bring to the role.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

Our organisational values are shaped by staff feedback and best practices, guiding how we work and interact. They foster a community spirit, pride, ambition, and a focus on a better future. We look forward and aim high in our goals and your career development.

Our benefits

We value our employees and strive to provide a supportive environment that enables you to reach your potential and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Alongside your salary, you will have access to our rewards and benefits program - Careers at Staffordshire.

Our recruitment process

As an organisation committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and communities. We offer a guaranteed interview for applicants meeting minimum criteria, supporting our commitments as a Disability Confident and Armed Forces employer, and in supporting care leavers.