Principal Legal Counsel – Litigation

Join a leading UK organisation with a clear purpose: enabling people to thrive. With a strong presence across east, central, and southwest England, this organisation combines scale, expertise, and innovation to deliver safe, affordable housing and build stronger communities. Recognised as a Great Place to Work, this is an inclusive, forward-thinking employer that values diversity and fosters a culture where individuality is celebrated. If you’re looking for a role where your legal expertise can make a real impact, this is the perfect opportunity. This is a permanent, full-time role with flexibility built in. You’ll be based at one of the main offices in Bristol, Gloucestershire, or Norwich, with regular home-working options and occasional travel across the region.

Your New Role

Our client is seeking a strategic and commercially minded litigation lawyer to join them as Principal Legal Counsel. In this senior role, you’ll lead and manage high-quality legal services across litigation, commercial contracts, and operational matters. Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, you’ll provide practical, strategic advice to support effective decision-making and risk management responsibilities include:

• Leading litigation, dispute resolution, and regulatory matters.
• Advising on commercial contracts, procurement, and operational projects.
• Acting as a trusted legal advisor to senior leadership, ensuring decisions are legally robust and commercially sound.
• Supervising and developing junior lawyers and legal specialists.
• Managing relationships with external legal advisors to ensure efficiency and value for money.
• Driving continuous improvement and innovation in legal processes.

What You’ll Need to SucceedTo thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• Qualified solicitor or legal executive status with significant post-qualification experience.
• Strong knowledge of litigation, commercial contracts, and operational legal matters, ideally within social housing or the public sector.
• Experience leading complex legal matters and managing legal risk.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong IT skills and a proactive approach to innovation and process improvement.
• Ability to complete a basic DBS and consumer check.

If you’re a strategic, commercially minded litigation lawyer with a passion for enabling people to thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Get in Return

• Competitive salary up to £80,000.
• Flexible hybrid working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Inclusive, supportive culture with a strong commitment to diversity.
• Recognition as a Great Place to Work and award-winning employer.