At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of lawyers in housing litigation, managing complex cases and mentoring new recruits.
- Company: Join one of the largest in-house legal services teams in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, excellent pension, and fantastic training opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with great career development prospects.
- Why this job: Shape your own team while making a real impact in housing law.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor/Barrister/FILEX with experience in housing conditions and people management.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 64800 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham
Hours: Permanent (36 hours - part time considered)
Salary: £54,495 - £64,811
Application deadline: 27/03/2026
If you are an experienced housing litigation specialist ready for your next challenge, I am keen to have a conversation! I am working exclusively with one of the largest in-house legal services teams in the UK to recruit a new permanent member of their management team. As a Principal Lawyer - Housing Litigation, you will have day-to-day management of a team of 9 individuals. You will guide and develop your team and be responsible for all new recruits. Applicants must be committed to the development, training, and mentoring of colleagues. This is a fantastic opportunity for seasoned housing litigation specialists keen to further develop their management skills.
You will also have conduct of some of the larger, high-profile cases, making this the perfect all-round post! The current vacancy for a Principal Lawyer - Housing Litigation will see you responsible for future recruitment into the team, meaning this role offers a genuine opportunity to shape and develop your own team. The colleagues you will work with are friendly and supportive, with a strong team ethic.
This role can be worked on a hybrid basis and there is a team office day once a week, so applicants must be based in the Birmingham area. Courts are also centrally based in Birmingham, making this role suitable for those based in and around the Birmingham area.
As the new Principal Lawyer - Housing Litigation, you will be tasked with managing a team of lawyers and legal assistants dedicated to pre-litigated housing conditions cases, which will be predominantly ASB and pre-litigated disrepair cases. Applicants must have a track record of working on housing conditions cases and any associated hearings. Applicants from a range of legal backgrounds will be considered.
Applicants must have considerable experience in people management, housing law (specifically in relation to housing conditions and disrepair work), and conduct of advocacy in related hearings. A local government background would be ideal, but candidates from private practice and central government organisations will be considered.
Daily duties will include:
- Managing complex and politically sensitive caseloads, representing the Council, and leading a team of fee earners.
- Working with the Head of Law to develop highly effective working relationships with clients.
- Delivering a client-focused service with an excellent standard of client care.
- Supervising and managing the work of the team to ensure that the team provides professional guidance and expertise.
- Ensuring work is allocated appropriately within the team.
- Preparing reports for, and attending Committees, Sub-Committees and Executive Committee as required.
- Deputising for the Head of Law where required.
This post advises on public law and regulatory issues in connection with a range of powers exercised by the local authority. As such, it is key that the post holder is able to not simply follow the letter of the law but understands the need to work within the constraints that come from working in local government.
You will be a qualified Solicitor/Barrister/FILEX with a current Practising Certificate. In return for your experience, commitment, and motivation, you will enjoy working in a modern environment, with a competitive salary and benefits package.
The benefits offered are excellent and include:
- Legal assistant support
- Fantastic training and development opportunities
- Excellent Pension Scheme, above average % employer contribution
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Incredible annual leave, increasing with length of service
- Salary sacrifice scheme for extra annual leave, cycle to work, car leases and childcare vouchers
- Discounts on supermarkets, bus and coach travel, utilities companies, eating out, leisure attractions and gym memberships
- Access to long and short term financial planning advice
- Continuous development opportunities
- Family friendly policies including; excellent maternity, paternity and adoption entitlements
For more information on this opportunity, please contact Kate Jasper in our Manchester office or apply today!
Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV.
For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.
Principal Lawyer - Housing Litigation in Birmingham employer: Sellick Partnership
At Sellick Partnership, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values community engagement and employee growth. As a Mobile Caretaker in Nottinghamshire, you'll enjoy the benefits of a company van, competitive pay, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in local neighbourhoods while working alongside a dedicated housing team. We foster an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to creating safe, clean, and well-managed communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer - Housing Litigation in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in housing litigation. 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 leadership skills and recent housing law cases. We want you to showcase your expertise and how you can manage a team effectively, so practice articulating your experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Housing Litigation in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in housing litigation and people management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Lawyer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for housing law and your commitment to team development – we love to see that enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Principal Lawyer, you’ll be managing a team, so make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've guided teams in the past and any mentoring roles you've taken on – we’re all about fostering talent!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership
✨Know Your Housing Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housing law, especially around housing conditions and disrepair cases. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've worked on and how they relate to the role. This will show your expertise and confidence in handling complex legal matters.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Lawyer, you'll be managing a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, mentored colleagues, or handled challenging situations. This will highlight your capability to guide and develop others.
✨Understand the Local Government Context
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and constraints of working within local government. Be ready to discuss how you would navigate these issues while ensuring compliance with public law and regulatory requirements. This understanding will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about potential situations you might face in this role and how you would approach them. This preparation will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
