Location: Civic Hall, Leeds
Salary: £46,142 – £49,282
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Leeds City Council is a progressive authority working with communities, businesses and partner agencies to create a vibrant city. Our Anti‑Social Behaviour (ASB) legal team is highly regarded in the region.
About the role
This role is integral to the Council’s Safer Leeds Strategy and involves extensive advocacy in ASB law, including both contentious and non‑contentious matters. You will advise on a wide range of ASB and housing possession matters, work with council colleagues and third parties to find pragmatic solutions, and represent the Council in court or with a barrister.
Key responsibilities
- Undertake a substantial personal caseload of legal matters in ASB and other areas as required.
- Draft and issue court and other documentation.
- Conduct investigatory and preparatory work for cases.
- Provide advice and updates on case progression.
- Draft instructions to counsel and attend hearings or appeals.
- Advocate on cases where appropriate, including contested hearings.
- Work flexibly as part of the team to cover court and tribunal commitments.
- Provide oral and written advice.
- Stay updated on legislative and case law developments.
- Prepare and deliver training to clients and colleagues.
- Contribute to external income generation.
- Support other staff within the Section and Service.
- Abide by Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, and other Council policies.
- Maintain a “can do” attitude and meet professional requirements, e.g., SRA competence framework.
About you – About the candidate
- Enthusiastic about collaborating with partner agencies.
- Objective mindset, ensuring a “One Council” approach.
- Advocate in County Court and Magistrates Court appropriate to grade.
- Can‑do attitude, team player, flexible, enthusiastic, and committed to the wider Legal Service.
What we offer
- Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
- Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
- Clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
- Staff benefits to boost wellbeing and financial wellbeing.
How to apply
Upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words. Follow the guidance in the application form. For questions, contact Richard des Forges, Team Leader, 0113 3789 073 or Richard.desforges@leeds.gov.uk. Interviews will take place in December.
Diversity and equality
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. We are an inclusive, age‑friendly, mindful, and disability‑confident employer. We welcome applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnic minorities, disabled and care‑experienced people.
Right to work
This role is based in the UK. Candidates must evidence right to work in the UK before commencing employment. If you do not have the right to work, consider your eligibility for sponsorship via the Skilled Worker visa.
Job purpose
Provide high quality, value‑for‑money legal service to support the Council’s strategic objectives and ASB caseload. Provide support on at least one other area of law as required.
Personal specification – essential requirements
- Solicitor or barrister with practising certificate or FCILEX.
- Knowledge of ASB law and local government law.
- Experience managing a personal caseload and advocacy.
- Experience providing advice to clients and training.
- Knowledge of Windows IT systems and quality systems such as Lexcel/ISO.
Personal specification – desirable requirements
- Knowledge of another area of law covered by the section.
- Experience providing legal training, advising committees, and working to a quality system.
Skills required
- Plan & organise workload with minimum supervision.
- Advocate on behalf of the Council, including contested hearings.
- Communicate effectively as a member of a team.
- Build productive relationships across the Council.
- Assimilate new information quickly.
- Resolve a wide range of legal problems.
- Draft clear documents, notes, reports, letters and memoranda.
- Conduct effective legal research.
- Generate external income.
- Work flexibly across the Service.
Behavioural and other characteristics
- Live the Council’s values and behaviours.
- Provide high quality services to clients.
- Professional approach and presentation.
- Respect confidentiality of work.
- Flexibility beyond normal hours.
- Develop personal planning and learning activities.
Principal Legal Officer PO4 in Leeds employer: Leeds City Council
Leeds City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professional development and employee well-being. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to high-quality legal practice, this role provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while advancing your career in licensing law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Legal Officer PO4 in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in local government or ASB law. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to get your name out there and learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common legal scenarios you might face as a Principal Legal Officer. Think about how you'd handle specific ASB cases and be ready to discuss your approach. This will show you're not just knowledgeable but also practical!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for job listings and apply directly through us! We often have exclusive roles that might not be advertised elsewhere. Plus, it’s a great way to show your interest in being part of our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Legal Officer PO4 in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in ASB law and advocacy. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant cases or achievements!
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Keep it concise (500 words max) and focus on your passion for legal work and collaboration. We love a good story, so share your journey and what makes you a great fit for our team.
Follow the Application Guidance:Don’t skip the application form guidance! It’s there for a reason. Make sure you follow it closely to avoid any hiccups. We appreciate attention to detail, and it shows us you’re serious about the role.
Reach Out with Questions:If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Richard des Forges. We’re here to help you through the process, so feel free to ask anything that’s on your mind before you hit that submit button!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds City Council
✨Know Your ASB Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of anti-social behaviour law and local government law. Be prepared to discuss recent case law developments and how they might impact the Council's approach. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you're genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Since this role involves extensive advocacy, be ready to share examples of your past experiences in court. Highlight specific cases where you successfully represented clients or the Council, and explain your approach to contested hearings. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in a courtroom setting.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
The Council values a 'One Council' approach, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies in the past. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to team success and resolved conflicts, as this will highlight your ability to work flexibly and effectively within a team.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the role and the team. Ask about the challenges the ASB legal team currently faces or how they measure success in their cases. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
