Principal Lawyer Litigation and Housing

Kirklees Council; Huddersfield; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28.5 days annual leave

Cycle to Work scheme

Travel and parking discounts

Local Government Pension

Life assurance

Flexible and hybrid working

Modern office

Professional development & mentoring

Job summary

Kirklees Council seeks a proactive Lawyer to lead our Litigation and Housing Team within the Public Sector. You will advise on housing policy and procedures, oversee housing-related litigation, and develop a broad civil and public law practice within local government.

We value creative, energetic, well-organised professionals who can manage a personal caseload, supervise junior lawyers, and contribute to training and succession planning. England and Wales practising certificate required.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate in England and Wales.
• Experience in civil litigation and public sector housing practice.
• Experience supervising or managing staff or aptitude to do so.

Responsibilities

• Lead civil litigation and housing practice within the team.
• Oversee and supervise housing-related litigation and housing policy advice.
• Mentor junior lawyers and legal officers, supporting professional development.
• Provide strategic legal leadership within the Local Government context.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Case management

Public sector housing

Education

Solicitor or Barrister (England & Wales)

Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives

Job description

The Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking Lawyer to take on a leadership role within our Litigation and Housing Team.

• We are particularly seeking someone with experience in public sector, housing law, including advising on housing policy and procedures as well as conducting or overseeing housing-related litigation. There will be scope to develop skills in the other areas covered by the team which include general civil and commercial litigation, public law, education, employment, and wider local government matters.

The Team

You will join a team of experienced Lawyers, Legal Officers, and Paralegals supported by a dedicated Business Support Team.

Development and Progression

We place a strong emphasis on training and personal development and will support you to be the best you can be. This role is an excellent springboard into senior legal management.

What You Will Bring

You will be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister or a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executiveswith a current practising certificate in England and Wales.

You will be creative, energetic and well-organised, able to manage a personal caseload, and confident in leading, supervising and mentoring less-senior colleagues.

Experience Required

You will have substantial experience in civil litigation and public sector housing practice, plus desirable experience in any of the following:

• Commercial Litigation
• Property Litigation
• Local Government Law
• Education Law
• Employment Law
• Judicial Review

Your experience will have been gained within the jurisdiction of England and Wales.

Experience of supervising or managing staff - or the aptitude to do so - is also required.

Your Benefits

Kirklees Council offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 28.5 days annual leave, rising to 32.5 after 5 years' service (plus bank holidays)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Travel and parking discounts
• Employee-friendly policies, including carer support and exceptional maternity and paternity leave
• Local Government Pension - an exceptionally attractive defined benefit scheme
• Life assurance from day one
• Access to Employee Healthcare services (counselling, physiotherapy, health assessments)
• Flexible and hybrid working supported by modern IT systems
• Modern, spacious office environment
• High-quality supervision and management support
• A professional culture of proactive advice and collaboration
• Payment of professional fees
• A strong commitment to ongoing development, mentoring and training - all managers in Legal Services are experienced, highly regarded lawyers committed to your growth and advancement.