Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time
Closing date: 11:59pm, 7 June 2026
Interview method: Face to Face
Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK – visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Role Requirements
- Legal right to work: Must evidence right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
- References: Minimum 2 references, preferably covering 3 years’ history.
- Qualification and Registration: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister (with Litigation Conduct Authorisation), Chartered Lawyer, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (with Advocacy Certificate) holding a current practising certificate.
- DBS clearance: Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
- Casual Car Documentation: Designated Casual Car User may need business travel; must hold a full valid driving licence and provide a vehicle and documentation if driving. Mileage allowance provided.
Role Overview
Principal Lawyer Technical Specialist in the Public Law Sub Group of the Children & Families Legal Group. This role combines management experience with technical specialist work, focusing on children’s services and public law.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide legal representation for children’s services in public law matters.
- Offer specialist advice on Public and Administrative Law, and Local Government Law.
- Support the development and implementation of legal strategies within the legal group.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
- Prepare and present legal opinions, submissions and briefings.
Qualifications
- Qualified solicitor or barrister with litigation experience.
- Experience in Public Law and local government legal matters.
- Strong analytical, research and communication skills.
Essential Experience
- Experience working in a public sector legal team.
- Knowledge of the law in relation to children’s services and public administrative law.
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance: up to 31 days annual leave after five years of service, plus bank holidays.
- Local government pension scheme with life cover.
- Enhanced parental and carer leave.
- Discounts on travel, phone contracts, cycle scheme and health services.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Flexible working arrangements.
Diversity and Inclusion
We actively welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly from BAME communities, disabled people, young people, members of the armed forces, care leavers and those with long‑term conditions.
Application Process
Interested candidates should send an anonymised CV and detailed Expression of Interest outlining how their skills and experience meet the role profile to the following email: jobs@manchester.gov.uk. Please also indicate any required adjustments or accessibility support needed during the interview.
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