Principal Lawyer Litigation and Housing

Kirklees Metropolitan Council; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cycle to Work

Travel and parking discounts

Life assurance

Local Government Pension

Employee healthcare services

Flexible and hybrid working

Modern office environment

Professional development

Job summary

Kirklees Council is seeking a proactive Lawyer to lead the Litigation and Housing Team in Huddersfield. The role focuses on public sector housing law, housing policy, and related litigation, with scope to work across civil and public law matters within local government.

You will join an experienced team and contribute to training and development, supporting progression into senior legal management.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister or Fellow of the ILEX with a current practising certificate in England and Wales.
• Creative, energetic and well-organised, able to manage a personal caseload, and confident in leading, supervising and mentoring less-senior colleagues.
• Substantial experience in civil litigation and public sector housing practice, with desirable experience across related areas.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee housing-related litigation and housing policy advice.
• Manage a personal caseload and supervise junior lawyers.
• Provide guidance across civil, public law, education, employment and wider local government matters.

Skills

Leadership

Public sector housing

Civil litigation

Mentoring

Policy advice

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister

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.

Closing date

27 September 2026, 11:55 PM