Vivid Resourcing are working in partnership with a progressive London Borough to appoint an Interim Principal In-House Counsel. The organisation is committed to innovation, strong governance, and delivering positive outcomes for its communities through ambitious transformation programmes.
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal In-House Counsel to join a small, high-performing in-house legal team on an interim basis. This role will play a pivotal part in shaping a bespoke corporate legal support function, providing high-quality legal and governance advice across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Act as the central senior legal adviser within a small in-house legal team, supporting high-profile and transformational projects.
Report directly to the Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer).
Review and advise on Cabinet reports to ensure legal compliance, robust governance, and sound decision-making.
Engage early with client officers to shape projects and address key legal and governance issues.
Deliver high-quality, pragmatic, and solution-focused legal advice across the organisation.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with senior officers, Members, and external stakeholders.
Provide commercially aware advice on complex legal and governance matters.
Champion organisational values and innovative ways of working to support transformation.
Requirements
Qualifications / Skills & Experience
UK Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX.
Extensive experience working within the Local Government legal framework, including governance and decision-making processes.
Proven ability to manage a varied and complex legal caseload in a flexible and agile manner.
Strong political awareness with experience operating effectively in a political environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly.
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders.
Fully IT competent and comfortable working in a remote or hybrid environment while maintaining excellent client care.
Essential
Significant experience advising on procurement, subsidy control, and land matters (including disposal, acquisition, and appropriation for housing purposes).
Ability to support the Monitoring Officer in relation to Member Standards matters.
Strong understanding of local authority governance and Cabinet processes.
Desirable
Experience contributing to large-scale transformation or change programmes.
Previous experience operating as a senior or principal lawyer within a local authority.
Additional Information
Contract: Interim – initial 3 months, with potential to extend
Working Pattern: Part-time (to be confirmed)
Location: London Borough (remote/hybrid working available)