Principal Solicitor - Litigation

Blackburn with Darwen Council; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackburn with Darwen Council is seeking a Principal Solicitor/Lawyer to join our Litigation Team, handling regulatory prosecutions, licensing, planning and other governance matters for the council.

You will lead complex cases, provide strategic legal advice to senior officers and Members, and drive improvements in policy, service delivery and public protection.

Job description

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Terms & Conditions: 37 Hours, Permanent
Interview Date: w/c 9 November 2026

Make a real difference where yourexpertisetruly matters - Join our Legal Team!

Weareexpanding our Legal team in preparation for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in local government so we'relooking for ambitious talent ready to make an impact.

We'relooking for a talented Principal Solicitor/Lawyer to join ourforward - thinkinglocal authority legal team. This is your opportunity to work at the heart of public service, using your skills to protect communities, support vital services, and influence decisions that shape the lives of thousands.

LITIGATION TEAM

The team undertakes a wide range of work including regulatory prosecutions and appeals relating to environmental health (e.g. fly-tipping), and other areas including statutory nuisance, housing standards, trading standards, food safety, licensing, education, town and country planning, building control, highways, drainage, anti-social behaviour and any other function which the Council may prosecute. The team conductcases in theFirst TierProperty Tribunal, Magistrates Court, County/High Court and on occasion the Administrative Court.

The teamprovideslegal advice in all types of licensing matters including advising the Council's internal decision-making Sub Committees on the law relating to taxi licensing and premises licensing. The team alsorepresentsthe Council in licensing appeals and other civil appeals in the Magistrates Court.

If you'd like to learn about this role, Samantha Vickery, our Head of Service, would love to speak with you personally about the team, the culture, and what this role could offer you.

• Meaningful, varied work - From safeguarding and governance to contracts, property, and regulatory matters, every day brings new challenges that genuinelyimpactthe public good.
• Professional respect and autonomy - You'llbe trusted to lead on complex cases, advise senior leaders, and shape policy with your legal insight.
• Supportive, collaborative culture - We work proactively and collaboratively in a friendly and supportive environment to achieve the best outcomes, and to support opportunities for training and development.
• Clear progression pathways - you'rean experienced solicitor ready for your next step or a principal solicitor seeking strategic influence, we offer room to grow.
• Work-life balance - Flexible working arrangements and a strong commitment to wellbeing mean you can excel professionally without compromising your life outside work.