Head Of Law

Job Details

Head of Law (People)
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (LBHF) – Exclusive Partnership
Location: London (Hybrid Working)
Duration: 6 months fixed-term contract
Rate: Up to £550 per month (umbrella)
Reports to: Assistant Director, Legal Services
Team: 2 Principal Lawyers (Litigation + Social Care)**
Interviews: Week commencing 1st June 2026

Your chance to lead legal excellence at the heart of London borough government. We're partnering exclusively with LBHF to find an exceptional Head of Law (People) who thrives on delivering strategic legal impact. Shape council priorities through expert advice on Social Care and high-stakes Litigation – this is senior leadership with real influence.
Lead the People DivisionStep into Legal & Democratic Services as a pivotal Departmental Management Team member, driving the People Team across:

• Social Care (Adults, Children, Education)
• Civil/Criminal Litigation (Housing, Employment, ASB, Prosecutions, Debt Recovery)

• Trusted strategic advice to Directors, Executive Members and Chief Executive
• High-performance team leadership (2 Principal Lawyers hitting chargeable targets)
• Budget ownership and service innovation
• Committee support, counsel oversight and Assistant Director deputising

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX Fellow (England & Wales)
• Deep local authority expertise in litigation and/or social care
• Executive-level influencing with political nous and creative problem-solving
• Proven people management, financial acumen and cross-departmental impact
• Standout advantage: Council background and senior stakeholder relationships