Principal Associate

J B Leitch Ltd; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

J B Leitch Ltd is seeking a highly experienced Principal Associate to join its Property Litigation team. This role is tailored for a senior lawyer with extensive expertise in residential leasehold and landlord & tenant disputes. You'll act as a technical authority, oversee complex matters, and mentor junior associates while contributing to departmental strategy and business growth.

This position offers autonomy and a chance to influence legal delivery. Competitive salary and benefits are provided, with the possibility of working from Liverpool, London, or remote.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in property litigation and landlord & tenant law.
• Experience with complex leasehold disputes across large portfolios.
• Strategic litigation involving service charge disputes and breaches.

Responsibilities

• Act as a technical expert on complex matters.
• Provide oversight on legal strategy and quality assurance.
• Support senior leadership with departmental planning.

Skills

High-level property litigation

Landlord & tenant law

Complex leasehold disputes

Leadership and mentoring

Strategic litigation

Job description

Principal Associate – Property Litigation (10+ PQE)

Liverpool / London / Remote | Full-time | Competitive Salary + Benefits

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Associate to act as a technical authority within our Property Litigation team.

This role is suited to a senior lawyer with deep expertise in residential leasehold and landlord & tenant disputes, capable of overseeing complex matters and supporting strategic departmental objectives.

About the Team

Our Property Litigation team is recognised for its technical strength in leasehold and landlord & tenant disputes, advising on high-volume portfolios and complex regulatory issues. We offer a collaborative, high-performing environment with the opportunity to influence both legal delivery and team development.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a technical expert on complex and high-risk matters
• Provide oversight on legal strategy, risk and quality assurance
• Support senior leadership with departmental planning and delivery
• Guide and mentor Managing Associates, Senior Associates and wider teams
• Maintain involvement in significant or high-value cases
• Strengthen key client relationships and support business growth
• Contribute to external profile building (training, publications, client initiatives)

Required Experience

You must have extensive experience in:

• High-level property litigation and landlord & tenant law
• Complex leasehold disputes across large portfolios
• Strategic litigation involving service charge disputes, forfeiture and breach of covenant
• Tribunal and court proceedings, including the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)

Strong preference for:

• Building Safety Act and emerging regulatory frameworks
• Remediation Orders and Contribution Orders
• Leasehold reform legislation, including the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
• Complex advisory work relating to property management structures

About You

• Recognised subject matter expert in property litigation
• Strong leadership and mentoring capability
• Strategic thinker with excellent judgement
• Able to operate at both technical and operational levels

This role offers a high degree of autonomy, visibility within the firm, and the opportunity to shape legal delivery, influence strategy and play a key role in the continued growth of the team.