Job Description
Legal Careers in Local Government – Principal Lawyers
West Yorkshire | Flexible, hybrid working
Salary up to c. £61,000 | Excellent benefits package
Interesting legal work. A genuinely attractive benefits package. The opportunity to make a difference.
We're working with an established local authority in West Yorkshire to connect experienced legal professionals with opportunities within its in-house Legal Services team.
The team advises across a broad range of legal areas, supporting public services, protecting residents' interests and helping deliver projects that shape local communities.
From planning and highways to housing litigation, safeguarding, regeneration and commercial contracts, the work is varied, challenging and closely connected to the services people rely on.
Principal Lawyer vacancies
There are currently opportunities in specialist areas:
Principal Lawyer – Planning & Highways
Advising on planning and highways law, Section 106 and Section 278 agreements, enforcement, public inquiries, rights of way and related public law matters.
Principal Lawyer – Litigation & Housing
Leading on public-sector housing advice and litigation, including housing policy and procedure, possession and disrepair matters, with scope to contribute across wider civil litigation and local government law.
For these Principal Lawyer positions, candidates will need the relevant senior legal experience and professional qualifications for their chosen specialism.
Other areas of legal expertise
The service is also interested in hearing from lawyers with experience in:
- Children's & Adults' Safeguarding – including care proceedings, adults' safeguarding and Court of Protection work.
- Regeneration – including land assembly, development, construction and funding agreements.
- Commercial Contracts – including procurement, commercial agreements, grant funding and information law.
- Experienced Legal Officers – for opportunities across the wider legal service.
If your expertise sits within one of these areas, we'd welcome a conversation about your background and potential opportunities as they arise.
Salary and benefits
The Principal Lawyer vacancies offer a salary of £53,051–£58,358, plus a £3,000 annual market supplement — up to £61,358 in total.
The wider benefits package includes:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme, including life cover of three times salary from the first day of membership.
- 28.5 days' annual leave, rising to 33.5 days after five years' service, plus eight bank holidays.
- Hybrid working, with a small number of days each month in the office and the remainder working from home.
- Payment of professional practising certificate fees for the Principal Lawyer roles.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and family leave.
- Occupational health support, counselling, physiotherapy and an employee assistance programme.
- Funded professional development, internal coaching and a clear career structure.
- Part-time and job-share arrangements where service requirements allow.
Salary, grade and specific benefits for other opportunities will depend on the role.
Why consider local government?
Public-sector legal work offers the chance to apply your expertise to a broad range of issues, work alongside professionals from different disciplines and see how your advice contributes to real outcomes for people and communities.
Local government experience is an advantage, but relevant experience from other legal environments may also be suitable.
Interested in finding out more?
Whether you're considering a move now or simply interested in understanding what opportunities might be available, we'd be happy to have a confidential conversation.
Get in touch to discuss your experience, identify the most relevant specialism and find out more about current or potential opportunities: epeel@cureyoursearch.com