Kirklees Council
Principal Lawyer Litigation and Housing
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Organisation
Kirklees
Directorate
Public Health and Corporate Resources
Service Area
Governance & Commissioning
Hours
37
Number of Jobs
1
Location(s)
Huddersfield and surrounding areas
Position type
Permanent
Grade
Grade 14 - 15
Salary
£51,356 to £56,494 (Pay award pending)
Enhancements / additional payments details
Market Rate Supplement of £3000 pa
Advert Wording
The Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking Lawyer to take on a leadership role within our Litigation and Housing Team.
We are particularly seeking someone with experience in public sector, housing law, including advising on housing policy and procedures as well as conducting or overseeing housing-related litigation. There will be scope to develop skills in the other areas covered by the team which include general civil and commercial litigation, public law, education, employment, and wider local government matters.
The Team
You will join a team of experienced Lawyers, Legal Officers, and Paralegals supported by a dedicated Business Support Team.
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Development and Progression
We place a strong emphasis on training and personal development and will support you to be the best you can be. This role is an excellent springboard into senior legal management.
What You Will Bring
You will be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister or a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with a current practising certificate in England and Wales.
You will be creative, energetic and well-organised, able to manage a personal caseload, and confident in leading, supervising and mentoring less-senior colleagues.
Experience Required
You will have substantial experience in civil litigation and public sector housing practice, plus desirable experience in any of the following:
- Commercial Litigation
- Property Litigation
- Local Government Law
- Education Law
- Employment Law
- Judicial Review
Your experience will have been gained within the jurisdiction of England and Wales.
Experience of supervising or managing staff — or the aptitude to do so — is also required.
Your Benefits
Kirklees Council offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 28.5 days annual leave, rising to 32.5 after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays)
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Travel and parking discounts
- Employee-friendly policies, including carer support and exceptional maternity and paternity leave
- Local Government Pension — an exceptionally attractive defined benefit scheme
- Life assurance from day one
- Access to Employee Healthcare services (counselling, physiotherapy, health assessments)
- Flexible and hybrid working supported by modern IT systems
- Modern, spacious office environment
- High-quality supervision and management support
- A professional culture of proactive advice and collaboration
- Payment of professional fees
- A strong commitment to ongoing development, mentoring and training — all managers in Legal Services are experienced, highly regarded lawyers committed to your growth and advancement.
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John Chapman is the manager for this role, please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.
We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description please contact the Recruitment Team for help by email: or phone: 01484 221000 and ask for ‘Recruitment’.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We encourage you to read our
Closing date
11 September 2026, 11:55 PM
Important Information
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