At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex litigation cases and provide expert legal advice.
- Company: Join a top legal services team in local government.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a supportive team and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with significant litigation experience.
The predicted salary is between 59000 - 59000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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
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 0161 228 7770. 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
Join a vibrant secondary school that prioritises excellence in education and fosters a supportive community for both students and staff. As the Head of Mathematics, you will benefit from a competitive salary, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. This role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to make a significant impact on student achievement in a welcoming environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer – Litigation in Huddersfield
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Hays, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer – Litigation in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Hays, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Hays and the specific role of Principal Lawyer – Litigation. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Hays’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Hays.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Hays.
