Principal Legal Officer (PO4) – Anti‑Social Behaviour Litigator
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.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Legal – Government Administration
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