£51,356 - £54,495 per annum

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.  Our Prosecution legal team is highly regarded in the region, dealing with matters as diverse as littering and school attendance though to Environmental offences, Planning breaches, Fraud and Health and Safety prosecutions.

We are looking for a qualified lawyer with experience in the criminal law and Prosecutions, who will be required to undertake a substantial personal caseload of contentious and non-contentious legal professional work arising from local authority enforcement matters.

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.

About you

As a Principal Legal Officer, you will bring to the role:

• An enthusiasm to work with partner agencies to advise and bring prosecutions in line with the Prosecutors Code;
• An objective mindset ensuring that a “One Council” approach is maintained;
• the ability to be the advocate in the Magistrates Court;
• a “can do” attitude and the ability to work as part of a team, be flexible, enthusiastic and committed to supporting the work of the wider Legal Service.

About the role

The role is integral to the Council’s ambitions for a better city and in particular to combat Environmental crime such as fly tipping across the city. In doing this role you will make a real difference to the people of Leeds who have been blighted by criminal behaviour.

You will advise on a wide range of Prosecution and enforcement matters, working closely with council colleagues and third parties to find pragmatic and innovative solutions to issues; and make the case in a courtroom as an advocate or in the Crown Court with a barrister.

As part of a small team, you will work closely with other team members and support non-qualified staff.

What we offer you

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; and
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

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

Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Richard des Forges, Team Leader by calling  0113 3789073 or email Richard.desforges@leeds.gov.uk

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. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job Purpose: The section covers the following areas of work: Advise on procedural, policy, Legal, Offence interpretation and evidential matters; provide training to enforcement teams and Legal colleagues; objectively review prosecution packs received in accordance with CrimPR and Prosecutors Code; case manage and be an advocate in the Magistrates Court; assist Counsel in Crown Court or Court of Appeal matters. 

The postholder will 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.  

Closing date: 10 September 2026

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.