Interim Principal Solicitor - Contentious and Compliance

I am currently working exclusively with a globally recognised organisation operating across multiple sectors, committed to excellence in education, research, and professional services. They are seeking an Interim Principal Solicitor - Contentious and Compliance provide legal leadership across all contentious matters and student‑related compliance issues.

Job Title: Interim Principal Solicitor - Contentious and Compliance
Contract: 12-month FTC
Location: West Midlands
Salary: £70,000 - £90,000
Working Pattern: 2-3 days onsite and 2 days WFH

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the organisation’s strategy for all contentious legal matters and student compliance.

• Provide strategic legal advice to senior leaders on disputes, regulatory issues, and emerging legal risks.

• Manage complex contentious matters, including drafting pleadings, responding to pre-action correspondence, and overseeing litigation.

• Develop and implement legal frameworks, policies, and procedures to minimise organisational risk.

• Advise on student regulatory issues, including fitness to practise, safeguarding, DBS checks, and reasonable adjustments.

• Act as a senior panel member for student disciplinary, appeals, and fitness-to-practise hearings.

• Lead negotiations, ADR processes, and settlement discussions to resolve disputes effectively.

• Instruct and manage external counsel, ensuring cost-effective, high-quality legal advice.

• Support Prevent and safeguarding compliance, liaising with external agencies where required.

• Monitor, evaluate, and report on legal and compliance risks to senior leadership and governance bodies.

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to proactively address compliance and legal risk.

• Lead, develop, and supervise the legal team to ensure high performance and professional growth.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales).

• Strong knowledge of civil procedure rules, contract law, and alternative dispute resolution.

• Experience managing complex disputes and regulatory matters

Apply today for this Interim Principal Solicitor - Contentious and Compliance role by sending your CV to Sharna.duncan@robertwalters.com

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates