Principal Legal Officer; Licensing

Job title: Principal Legal Officer (Licensing)

Hours:37 hours per week

Contract:Permanent

Location:Civic Hall Leeds.

Leeds City Council is a progressive authority which works closely with local communities and businesses and partner agencies to create a vibrant and economically thriving city.

We are looking for a qualified lawyer with experience in and knowledge of Licensing law.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

As a Principal Legal Officer you will:

• Be a solicitor or barrister holding a practising certificate or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with advocacy certificate with knowledge of Licensing Law;
• Be values-driven, enthusiastic and outcome focussed;
• Come with fresh thinking, energy and compassion for people;
• Demonstrate a commitment to building relationships with Council services, the Courts and partner organisations.

About the role

As a Principal Legal Officer you will undertake a substantial personal caseload of legal professional work in the area of Licensing law. You will be expected to deal with providing quality legal advice and representing the Council.

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a 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
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

Upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Amy Walker, Team Leader by calling  or email

Interviews will take place in January/February.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is an Inclusive employer, ranked 70 on the Stonewall top 100 employers list. We are also an age friendly employer, a mindful employer and a disability confident leader.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria.

Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

To provide a high quality, value for money legal service, which actively supports the delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives as set out in the Best Council Plan.

To undertake a substantial complex personal caseload of legal professional work in the area of Licensing law.

The post holder would be expected to deal with complex advice and complex contested hearings. They would be expected to attend committee/board meetings and members briefings as requested to advise.

To contribute directly to the generation of external income and work flexibly across the Service as and when required.

• To undertake a substantial personal caseload of complex legal matters in one or more areas set out above in “Purpose of the job”.
• To draft and issue court proceedings and other documentation as necessary.
• To conduct investigatory and preparatory work as necessary to ensure effective…