Senior Public Sector Lawyer - People Lead

West Berkshire Council; Newbury; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Training & development

Local Government pension scheme

Family friendly policies

Local discounts

Wellbeing programme

Annual leave 30 days

Job summary

West Berkshire Council is recruiting a Principal Lawyer - People to lead a specialist team delivering high-quality legal services on Adult Social Care, Education and Housing. You will guide strategic advice, manage staff, and work with internal partners to mitigate risk and produce pragmatic outcomes.

The role requires a qualified solicitor/barister or CILEX with substantial post-qualification experience, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills to navigate complex public sector

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with a valid practising certificate or a CILEX with litigation rights of at least 3 years post qualifying experience.
• Extensive experience in providing legal advice in Adult social care, ideally within a local authority environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills or aptitude to develop these skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Proactive, solution-focused approach to legal issues and ability to manage conflicting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on people-related issues including Adult Social Care, Education and Housing.
• Manage a team of lawyers and ensure delivery of high-quality legal services.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to mitigate legal risks and provide pragmatic solutions.
• Draft and review legal documents such as applications, statements, agreements and court submissions.
• Represent the Council in legal proceedings, including tribunals and court hearings.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication

Proactive problem solving

Prioritisation under pressure

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister or CILEX with litigation rights

Job description

West Berkshire Council is recruiting a Principal Lawyer - People to lead a specialist team delivering high-quality legal services on Adult Social Care, Education and Housing. You will guide strategic advice, manage staff, and work with internal partners to mitigate risk and produce pragmatic outcomes.

The role requires a qualified solicitor/barister or CILEX with substantial post-qualification experience, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills to navigate complex public sector