Principal Lawyer – Litigation
Hays · Huddersfield, England ·
Reference: 4800584Job ID: 5395883Posted: 2026-06-10Closing date: 2026-09-09Location: HuddersfieldSalary: Up to 59k (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Legal / Public Sector / Not For ProfitCompany: HaysConsultant: Libby SmithHays office: Manchester — 4th Floor, City Tower, Piccadilly PlazaPhone: 01612287770Email: libby.smith@hays.comYour new companyThis 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 roleAs 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 finishProvide expert legal advice to officers and stakeholdersConduct 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 deliveryThis is a hybrid role, with a mix of office attendance, court attendance, and remote work. What you'll need to succeedTo 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 mattersDemonstrate strong expertise in housing law, particularly housing disrepairBe confident managing a complex caseload independently.
Have experience of advocacy or supervising external counselBe able to build strong working relationships with internal clients and stakeholdersPossess excellent drafting, communication, and organisational skillsPrevious experience in a local authority or public sector setting is desirable but not essential.
What you'll get in returnIn 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 arrangementsLocal Government Pension SchemeEnhanced maternity and paternity leaveAccess to a wide range of health and wellbeing services, including counselling and occupational health supportCycle to work scheme and travel benefitsOngoing training and development opportunities to support your career progressionWhat you need to do now 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. #4800584 - Libby Smith