Are you an experienced lawyer looking for a new challenge within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority? West Berkshire Council is seeking a Principal Lawyer (Regulatory and Litigation) to join our Legal and Democratic Service, based at Market Street Offices in the heart of beautiful West Berkshire. Reporting to the Legal Services Manager, you will play a key role in providing high-quality legal advice and support to the Council, with a particular focus on regulatory and litigation matters. As a Principal Lawyer, you will have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of interesting and complex cases, making a real difference to the local community. The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes: Qualified solicitor or barrister with significant post-qualification experience Extensive knowledge and expertise in regulatory and litigation law Strong analytical and problem-solving skills - Excellent communication and negotiation abilities Proven experience in managing a varied caseload and working to tight deadlines Ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders West Berkshire Council Offer Excellent Employment Benefits Such As Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-19.00 Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities Generous Local Government pension scheme Family friendly policies A range of local discounts Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 30 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service. Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. This post is a Sensitive Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post-holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities. In summary, this means that you are prohibited from holding political office and from involvement in any political activity within or outside the workplace. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council’s Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact Sharon Armour on 01635 519957 or email Sharon.Armourwestberks.gov.uk for an informal discussion. West Berkshire Council is committed to promoting equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. Equal Opportunities The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. How To Apply Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV. This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies. This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications