Principal Lawyer - Litigation & Housing

Connect Executive Search Group; Huddersfield; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid working

Generous leave entitlement

Healthcare benefits

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Connect Executive Search Group is recruiting a Principal Lawyer for a public-sector legal team focused on housing and complex litigation. The role suits a senior lawyer with civil litigation strength and housing expertise, seeking leadership across a varied caseload.

The role offers hybrid working with some days in Huddersfield and remote work, plus opportunities to mentor junior lawyers and collaborate with colleagues across departments.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in civil litigation and public-sector housing practice.
• Ability to lead or supervise junior lawyers and support staff.
• Strong analytical, drafting, advocacy and case management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the litigation and housing team, providing high‑quality legal advice.
• Advise on public-sector housing law, housing policies, and procedures.
• Conduct and oversee housing and civil litigation and related casework.
• Collaborate across areas such as commercial, property, public law, education and employment.

Skills

Civil litigation

Leadership

Advocacy

Case management

Education

Qualified solicitor/Barrister/CILEx

Job description

Take the lead in complex litigation and housing law

We are recruiting an experienced Principal Lawyer to join an established public-sector legal team, specialising in housing and litigation.

This permanent opportunity would suit a senior legal professional with strong civil litigation and public-sector housing experience who is looking to take on a leadership role while working across a varied and challenging caseload.

The role offers hybrid working, with a small number of days each month in the Huddersfield town centre office and the remainder worked remotely.

The Role

You will play a key role in leading and supporting the litigation and housing team, providing high-quality legal advice and managing complex matters.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising on public-sector housing law, policies and procedures.
• Conducting and overseeing housing litigation.
• Managing civil litigation matters and contributing to wider legal casework.
• Providing advice across areas such as commercial litigation, property litigation, public law, education and employment.
• Advising on judicial review and other local government legal matters where required.
• Supporting, supervising and developing junior lawyers and legal colleagues.
• Working collaboratively with lawyers, legal officers, paralegals and business support colleagues.

About You

You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), holding a current practising certificate in England and Wales.

You will also have:

• Substantial experience in civil litigation and public-sector housing practice.
• Strong analytical, drafting, advocacy and case management skills.
• The ability to manage complex legal matters and deliver practical, commercially aware advice.
• Experience of leading or supervising junior colleagues, or the aptitude and willingness to develop these skills.
• The flexibility to work across a broad range of legal matters and collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.

Experience in commercial litigation, property litigation, local government law, education, employment or judicial review would be advantageous.

Previous local government experience is beneficial but not essential.

Applications are welcomed from lawyers returning after a career break and candidates seeking part-time or job-share arrangements.

Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme, including life cover from day one.
• 28.5 days' annual leave, increasing to 33.5 days after five years' service, plus bank holidays.
• Payment of practising certificate fees.
• Hybrid working arrangements, with the majority of work undertaken remotely.
• Enhanced family leave.
• Employee healthcare benefits.
• Clear opportunities for career progression through the legal grades.

Interested?

If you are an experienced litigation and housing lawyer seeking a senior position with varied public-sector work, leadership opportunities and flexible working, we would welcome your application.