Job Description

Job Introduction

About Us
Oxfordshire County Council's Legal & Governance Services team is at the forefront of delivering high-quality legal support across the organisation. We are a values-led service, committed to excellence, collaboration and innovation in public service. Our work underpins the Council's strategic priorities and ensures robust governance and legal compliance in everything we do.

We pride ourselves on being a learning organisation that values kindness, integrity, and inclusion. We take responsibility for our work and are not afraid to do things differently. These values shape our culture and guide our approach to service delivery, teamwork and leadership.

About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Principal Solicitor to lead our Litigation, Employment and Property Legal Team. This is a senior leadership role within the Law and Governance Directorate, reporting to the Head of Legal and Governance Services and the Director of Law and Governance.

You will act as the Council's lead legal advisor on litigation, employment and property matters, providing strategic and corporate legal advice across the organisation. The role involves representing the Council in courts, tribunals, public inquiries and other legal forums, and contributing to governance standards and legal compliance across all directorates.

You will manage a team of solicitors, paralegals, legal assistants and trainees, ensuring high performance, wellbeing and professional development. You will also support the development of strong internal and external partnerships, deliver legal training, and contribute to the Council's business and service plans. The role includes delegated decision-making responsibilities and requires a proactive, solution-focused approach to legal service delivery.

This is a politically restricted post and offers a unique opportunity to shape legal practice within a forward-thinking local authority.

About You
You will be a qualified Solicitor, CILEX Lawyer or Barrister with significant experience in local government legal practice, particularly in litigation, employment or property law. You will bring specialist knowledge of relevant legislation and case law, and a proven ability to advise on complex legal matters with political sensitivity and strategic insight.

As an inspirational leader, you will have a track record of managing high-performing teams and delivering excellent service outcomes. You will be adept at communicating complex legal issues, influencing stakeholders, and driving innovation in service delivery. A commercial mindset and strong organisational awareness are essential, along with inclusive leadership and a commitment to equality, diversity and integrity.

You will be expected to demonstrate your commitment to the Council's values throughout the application process. These include always learning, being kind and caring, promoting equality and inclusion, taking responsibility, and daring to do things differently.

Applicants must hold a current practising certificate from the Solicitors Regulation Authority, CILEX or the Bar of England and Wales.

Closing Date - 5th October

Interviews - Week of 13th October

Rewards and benefits

Culture of flexible working Technology to support agile working 30 days' holiday p.a. plus bank holidays Option to 'buy' additional holiday Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer's contribution of up to 19.9% Enhanced family friendly policies Local and national discounts for shopping and travel Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

Our commitment to:

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:

Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:

Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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