Principal Lawyer Litigation and Housing

Kirklees Metropolitan Council; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirklees Metropolitan Council is seeking an enthusiastic Lawyer to lead the Litigation and Housing Team. The role focuses on public sector housing practice, housing policy advice, and overseeing related litigation, with opportunities to develop in other civil and public law areas.

You will join a team of experienced Lawyers, Legal Officers and Paralegals, with strong emphasis on training and progression towards senior legal management.

Qualifications

• You will be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with a current practising certificate in England and Wales.
• You will have substantial experience in civil litigation and public sector housing practice.
• Experience supervising or managing staff is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and mentor less‑senior colleagues within the Litigation and Housing Team.
• Advise on housing policy and procedures and oversee housing‑related litigation.
• Develop skills across civil, commercial litigation, public law, education and employment as needed.
• Manage a personal caseload and contribute to strategic legal management.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Case management

Civil litigation

Education

Solicitor or Barrister or Fellow of ILEX

Job description

We are looking for a 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 Executives with 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.