Full job descriptionPrincipal Lawyer (Locum)
Location: Greater Manchester (Manchester, Salford & GMCA)
Contract: 3-Month Locum Contract (with strong potential for extension)
Rate: £40.00-£50.00 per hour (DOE)
Hours: 35 - 38
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and highly capable Principal Lawyer to join a busy legal team on an initial 3-month locum contract, with excellent opportunities for extension.
This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished solicitor who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys managing a varied and high-profile caseload.
Working across Manchester, Salford and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), you will provide expert legal advice on complex commercial property matters, supporting major regeneration and development projects that have a significant impact across the region.
This role requires someone who is confident handling time-critical matters, managing competing priorities and working collaboratively with senior stakeholders, clients and external partners.
Key Responsibilities*Manage a varied caseload of complex commercial property matters.
*Advise on development agreements relating to significant regeneration and development schemes.
*Draft, negotiate and complete building leases and associated property documentation.
*Handle residential and commercial development transactions from instruction through to completion.
*Provide expert legal advice on complex landlord and tenant matters.
*Deliver practical, commercially focused legal advice to senior officers and stakeholders.
*Manage high-profile and time-sensitive matters within demanding deadlines.
*Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of legal agreements.
*Support strategic regeneration and development projects across Manchester, Salford and GMCA.
*Work collaboratively with internal departments, external legal representatives and partner organisations.
*Ensure all work is delivered in line with statutory requirements and governance procedures.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
*Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with significant post-qualification experience.
*Extensive experience in commercial property law.
*Strong knowledge of development agreements and regeneration work.
*Experience drafting and negotiating building leases.
*Proven background in residential and commercial development matters.
*Excellent understanding of complex landlord and tenant law.
*Previous local authority or public sector experience is highly desirable.
*Ability to independently manage a demanding caseload.
*Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
*Strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure and meet competing deadlines.
What’s on Offer?*£40.00-£50.00 per hour, dependent on experience.
*Initial 3-month contract with a strong likelihood of extension.
*Remote working
*Opportunity to work on high-profile regeneration and development projects.
*Varied and challenging caseload.
*Supportive and collaborative legal team.
*Immediate start available.
*Flexible working arrangements where available.

If you’re an experienced property lawyer looking for your next locum opportunity and are ready to take on a high-profile caseload within a respected public sector legal team, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today with your CV or contact Umar Tawil at CRA Consulting for a confidential discussion.