Overview

Director of Legal (Public, Property and Employment) – Transport for London (TfL). Lead the Public and Regulatory Law, Property and Planning Law, and Employment Law teams within the Legal Directorate. Manage a directorate of ~40 legal professionals with a budget of around £3 million and the external legal spend for TfL and the GLA bodies. Lead the Directorate’s relationship with the GLA group and set TfL’s legal strategy in collaboration with the Legal Director for Commercial Law and Disputes Resolution teams.

About The Role

You will be responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of the Public and Regulatory Law, Property and Planning Law, and Employment Law teams. This includes ensuring legal expertise across all specialisms, managing legal risks, and providing guidance on high-profile and complex matters (including judicial reviews) that could impact TfL’s operations and finances. You will work with senior stakeholders including the Commissioner, Executive Committee, and Directors of TfL and GLA bodies, and deputise for the Commercial Law and Disputes Resolution teams as needed.

This role requires ongoing collaboration with external lawyers to deliver cost-effective services and to align legal activity with TfL and Mayoral strategies, statutory powers, internal standing orders, and relevant regulations. You will oversee budget management, external spend, and resource planning to maintain high standards of legal service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal counsel across public and regulatory law, property and planning law, and employment law matters, both contentious and non-contentious.
• Lead and develop large in-house legal teams, fostering collaboration, development, and excellence.
• Manage relationships with external legal providers to ensure value for money and quality of service.
• Set strategy, risk appetite, and governance for the Legal Directorate, aligning with TfL and GLA objectives.
• Advise senior leadership and Boards on high-profile, high-value issues, including complex policy, litigation, and regulatory matters.
• Oversee budgeting, invoicing, and financial governance for the directorate and related external spend.
• Represent TfL in engagements with the GLA group and other government bodies as required.

About You

• Qualified solicitor or barrister in the UK (or equivalent) with extensive in-house experience in a complex public sector or regulated environment.
• Deep expertise in multiple areas of law, with particular strength in public and regulatory law matters (contentious and non-contentious).
• Strong strategic leadership and exceptional communication skills, capable of influencing at Board level and navigating politically sensitive issues.
• Proven experience leading large, diverse teams of in-house legal professionals and fostering a culture of development and excellence.
• Extensive experience managing relationships with external providers and delivering cost-effective legal services.
• Ability to balance legal risks with strategic objectives and ensure compliance with statutory powers and regulations.

How To Apply

Please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV along with a cover letter (no more than 2 A4 pages, Arial size 12). Include details on how you meet the required criteria and motivations for applying. Closing date: Monday 27 October 2025. 1st stage interviews: w/c Monday 17 November 2025. Interviews/assessments may occur at short notice. For more information, contact Senior Executive Recruitment Consultant Jay Patel at talentacquisitionandexecutiverecruitment@tfl.gov.uk.

Equal Opportunity

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: TfL is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We aim to represent the city we serve and promote inclusive recruitment. We are a disability-confident employer and guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria.

Hybrid Working

Hybrid working enables a balance of 50% time in the office and at home over a 4-week period, subject to business requirements.