Connect Executive Search Group

Make a difference through meaningful legal work We are seeking an experienced Principal Lawyer specialising in planning and highways to join an established public-sector legal team on a permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior legal professional to take a leading role in planning, highways, rights of way and environmental matters, while contributing to the development of a collaborative legal service. The position offers hybrid working, with only a small number of days each month required in the Huddersfield town centre office and the remainder worked remotely. The Role As Principal Lawyer, you will provide specialist legal advice and guidance across a broad range of planning and highways matters. Your responsibilities will include: Advising on Section 106 and Section 278 agreements. Providing legal advice on planning and highways matters. Supporting public inquiries and enforcement proceedings. Advising on public law and environmental matters. Providing guidance to officers and elected members. Supporting the development of the legal team and contributing to service improvements. Developing expertise across public rights of way and wider local government matters. About You To be considered, you will be a qualified solicitor with a current practising certificate, a barrister, or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). You will also have: Substantial recent senior-level experience in planning law, highways law, or both, gained in England and Wales. Strong legal drafting, advisory and communication skills. The ability to manage complex legal matters and provide clear, practical advice. The confidence to work with senior stakeholders and contribute to team development. The aptitude and willingness to broaden your expertise into public rights of way and local government law. Previous local government experience would be advantageous but is not essential. Applications are welcomed from lawyers returning after a career break and candidates interested in part-time or job-share arrangements. Benefits Local Government Pension Scheme, including life cover from day one. 28.5 days' annual leave, increasing to 33.5 days after five years' service, plus bank holidays. Payment of practising certificate fees. Hybrid working arrangements, with the majority of work undertaken remotely. Enhanced family leave. Employee healthcare benefits. Clear opportunities for career progression through the legal grades. Interested? If you are an experienced planning and highways lawyer looking for a senior role with meaningful public-sector work and flexible working arrangements, we would welcome your application.

Take the lead in complex litigation and housing law We are recruiting an experienced Principal Lawyer to join an established public-sector legal team, specialising in housing and litigation. This permanent opportunity would suit a senior legal professional with strong civil litigation and public-sector housing experience who is looking to take on a leadership role while working across a varied and challenging caseload. The role offers hybrid working, with a small number of days each month in the Huddersfield town centre office and the remainder worked remotely. The Role You will play a key role in leading and supporting the litigation and housing team, providing high-quality legal advice and managing complex matters. Your responsibilities will include: Advising on public-sector housing law, policies and procedures. Conducting and overseeing housing litigation. Managing civil litigation matters and contributing to wider legal casework. Providing advice across areas such as commercial litigation, property litigation, public law, education and employment. Advising on judicial review and other local government legal matters where required. Supporting, supervising and developing junior lawyers and legal colleagues. Working collaboratively with lawyers, legal officers, paralegals and business support colleagues. About You You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), holding a current practising certificate in England and Wales. You will also have: Substantial experience in civil litigation and public-sector housing practice. Strong analytical, drafting, advocacy and case management skills. The ability to manage complex legal matters and deliver practical, commercially aware advice. Experience of leading or supervising junior colleagues, or the aptitude and willingness to develop these skills. The flexibility to work across a broad range of legal matters and collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders. Experience in commercial litigation, property litigation, local government law, education, employment or judicial review would be advantageous. Previous local government experience is beneficial but not essential. Applications are welcomed from lawyers returning after a career break and candidates seeking part-time or job-share arrangements. Benefits Local Government Pension Scheme, including life cover from day one. 28.5 days' annual leave, increasing to 33.5 days after five years' service, plus bank holidays. Payment of practising certificate fees. Hybrid working arrangements, with the majority of work undertaken remotely. Enhanced family leave. Employee healthcare benefits. Clear opportunities for career progression through the legal grades. Interested? If you are an experienced litigation and housing lawyer seeking a senior position with varied public-sector work, leadership opportunities and flexible working, we would welcome your application.