Job title: Principal Legal Officer (Licensing)
Salary: PO6 £51,356 – £54,495
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Civic Hall, Leeds
We are looking for a qualified lawyer with experience in licensing law to provide high‑quality legal service supporting the Council’s strategic objectives.
About the Role
As a Principal Legal Officer you will manage a substantial personal caseload of licensing law matters, provide quality legal advice, and represent the Council in a variety of court and tribunal proceedings.
Responsibilities
- Handle a substantial and complex personal caseload in licensing law.
- Draft and issue court proceedings and other necessary documentation.
- Conduct investigatory and preparatory work to ensure effective case presentation at court, tribunals, inquiries and appeals.
- Draft instructions to Counsel and attend proceedings as instructing representative.
- Advocate for the Council and other clients in court, tribunals and higher courts where rights of audience apply.
- Advise on case progression and strategy value to senior members.
- Work flexibly as part of a team to cover commitments and additional tasks.
- Provide oral and written legal advice to clients, committees, boards and member briefings.
- Maintain awareness of legislative and case law developments and advise on impacts.
- Offer training on law and practice to clients, colleagues and members.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Coach and mentor other staff within the Section and Service.
- Contribute to the generation of external income for the Council.
- Abide by the Council’s Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity, and other policy frameworks.
- Perform all duties effectively in line with the Council’s policies and procedures.
Qualifications
- Solicitor or barrister with a practising certificate or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with an advocacy certificate.
- Considerable knowledge of licensing law and local government practice.
- Experience managing a substantial and complex personal caseload.
- Experience in advocacy, including complex contested hearings.
- Strong legal research, drafting, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and meet strict deadlines.
- Proficiency in Windows‑based IT systems.
- Knowledge of relevant quality systems such as Lexcel or ISO is desirable.
Benefits
- 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.
- Broader staff benefits supporting wellbeing and financial well‑being.
EEO Statement
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people.
Right to Work
Applicants must evidence the right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you should assess eligibility for sponsorship before applying.
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