At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex litigation cases and provide expert legal advice to support vital council services.
- Company: Join a top legal team within local government, dedicated to impactful legal work.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and a strong focus on professional development.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public services while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with significant litigation experience and strong housing law expertise.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Your new company This is an excellent opportunity with one of the largest legal services teams within local government, committed to delivering high-quality, impactful legal advice to support vital council services. Their teams work collaboratively across departments to achieve the best outcomes for residents, helping to shape and protect essential public services. This organisation is expanding their Litigation Team and is looking to appoint a Principal Lawyer to play a key role in delivering this important work.
Your new role As a Principal Lawyer within the Litigation Team, you will manage a varied and complex caseload covering a broad range of contentious and some non-contentious matters. The team undertakes diverse litigation work, including housing, employment, education and general civil litigation.
You will:
- Lead on complex cases from start to finish
- Provide expert legal advice to officers and stakeholders
- Conduct advocacy where appropriate and instruct Counsel when required
- Support and supervise junior lawyers and contribute to the development of the wider team
- Play a key role in shaping legal strategy and service delivery
This is a hybrid role, with a mix of office attendance, court attendance, and remote work.
What you'll need to succeed To be successful in this role, you will:
- Be a qualified solicitor, barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with a current practising certificate
- Have significant experience in handling a broad range of litigation matters
- Demonstrate strong expertise in housing law, particularly housing disrepair
- Be confident managing a complex caseload independently
- Have experience of advocacy or supervising external counsel
- Be able to build strong working relationships with internal clients and stakeholders
- Possess excellent drafting, communication, and organisational skills
Previous experience in a local authority or public sector setting is desirable but not essential.
What you'll get in return In return, you will join a highly regarded legal team with a strong commitment to professional development and wellbeing. Benefits include:
- Generous annual leave entitlement, increasing with service (plus bank holidays)
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Access to a wide range of health and wellbeing services, including counselling and occupational health support
- Cycle to work scheme and travel benefits
- Ongoing training and development opportunities to support your career progression
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now on . If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Principal Lawyer - Litigation in Huddersfield employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Join a leading local government legal services team that prioritises high-quality, impactful legal advice while fostering a collaborative work culture. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development, this role offers generous benefits including flexible working arrangements, a Local Government Pension Scheme, and ongoing training opportunities, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the public sector.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer - Litigation in Huddersfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your advocacy skills. Since this role involves leading complex cases, be ready to discuss your approach to litigation and how you handle challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise in housing law during interviews. Be specific about your experience with housing disrepair cases and how you've successfully managed similar issues in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Litigation in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Lawyer role. Highlight your expertise in litigation, especially in housing law, and any relevant experience in local government.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the team. Mention specific cases you've handled and how they relate to the work you'll be doing here.
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills:Since advocacy is a key part of this role, don’t forget to mention your experience in this area. Share examples of cases where you’ve successfully represented clients or managed complex legal matters.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housing law, especially housing disrepair. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled and how they relate to the role. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Lawyer, you'll be expected to lead and supervise junior lawyers. Think of examples where you've successfully managed a team or mentored others. Highlighting these experiences will demonstrate your capability to take on this responsibility.
✨Prepare for Advocacy Questions
Since advocacy is a key part of the role, be ready to discuss your experience in court. Prepare to talk about your approach to presenting cases and any challenges you've faced. This will help convey your confidence and expertise in this area.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, this role involves working closely with various stakeholders. During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their team dynamics and how they collaborate across departments to show your interest in teamwork.
