Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire (Hybrid Working)
Salary: £56,051–£61,358 per annum, including a £3,000 market supplement
Contract: Permanent
Red Snapper Recruitment are recruiting on behalf of Kirklees Council for an experienced Principal Lawyer specialising in Civil Litigation and Housing Law to join their Legal Services team on a permanent basis.
This is an opportunity for a senior legal professional to manage complex litigation matters, provide specialist legal advice and contribute to the delivery of essential public services.
The role focuses primarily on housing and civil litigation, with scope to undertake work in other areas of local government law, including regulatory enforcement, employment, education and licensing.
Hybrid working is available, with office attendance in Huddersfield determined by the requirements of the team, court commitments and service needs.
Provide specialist legal advice and representation on housing and civil litigation matters.
Manage complex, sensitive and high-value contentious and non-contentious cases.
Advise Council officers, elected members and committees on litigation risks and appropriate courses of action.
Undertake advocacy in courts and tribunals where appropriate.
Draft legal documents, develop case strategies and manage litigation proceedings.
Instruct Counsel and oversee external legal providers when required.
Supervise, train and mentor junior members of the legal team.
Advise on relevant legislative, procedural and case law developments.
Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (fully qualified practising Fellow of CILEx).
Substantial senior-level legal experience, including recent civil litigation practice.
Experience in at least two of the following:
Housing Law and Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Property Litigation
Local Government Law
Strong litigation case management, advocacy, drafting and negotiation skills.
Experience supervising staff, or the aptitude and ability to do so.
Ability to manage complex proceedings independently and meet competing deadlines.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Candidates from private practice, housing associations and other relevant legal backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Previous local government experience is advantageous but not essential.
Local Government Pension Scheme (defined-benefit pension).
28.5 days’ annual leave, rising to 33.5 days after five years, plus bank holidays.
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, subject to service requirements.
Support with professional practising certificate fees, subject to Council policy.
Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and family leave arrangements.
Professional development, coaching and training opportunities.
Employee healthcare, wellbeing support and staff discount schemes.
If you are an experienced Civil Litigation or Housing Lawyer seeking a senior permanent opportunity within local government, please submit your up-to-date CV to Red Snapper Recruitment for consideration.
As part of your application, you may be presented with the opportunity to complete a short pre-interview screening at a time that's convenient for you. It's available 24/7, allowing you to fast-track your application without having to wait for office hours.
Once you've completed your screening, one of our specialist recruitment consultants will personally review your application and, if you're shortlisted, will contact you to arrange the next stage of the interview process.
Flexible. Convenient. Reviewed by specialist recruiters.