Principal Legal Officer PO6 Permanent

Overview

In this role you will lead a substantial personal caseload in Children’s Social Care Law, delivering high-quality, value-for-money legal services to support the council’s Best City Ambition. You will be part of the Social Care Legal team, supervising and mentoring colleagues while handling complex hearings and court work. The position offers professional development, flexible/hybrid working, and opportunities to grow external income for the service. You will work closely with cross-functional partners to drive effective outcomes for children and families.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary
• annual leave plus statutory holidays
• West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• clear career pathway and CPD opportunities
• staff wellbeing benefits

Responsibilities

• Undertake a substantial personal caseload of complex children’s social care legal work
• Provide support in at least one other area of law within the section
• Support generation of external income for the service
• Represent the council in tribunals, County Court and higher courts where allowed
• Draft and issue court proceedings and instructions to counsel
• Advise on legal documentation, agreements and advice
• Coach and mentor staff within the section
• Work flexibly as part of the team to cover court commitments
• Attend meetings, tribunals and courts outside usual hours when required
• Ensure compliance with council policies, Lexcel standards and professional requirements
• Improve practice and participate in training and development
• Promote equality, diversity and anti-discrimination in all duties
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to improve service delivery

Key requirements

• Qualification as Solicitor or Barrister with practising certificate
• Ability to advocate in contested hearings
• Experience managing a substantial complex caseload
• Experience providing complex legal advice
• Experience working effectively in a team and in a local government context
• Knowledge of children’s social care law and local government law
• Flexibility to work across locations and adapt to change
• Strong legal drafting, research and communication skills
• Understanding of SRA standards and regulations

• Interpersonal skills
• Prioritisation and workload management
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Advocacy in tribunals and courts
• Legal drafting and documentation
• Legal research

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