4Recruitment Services

Principal Solicitor – Litigation (Contentious)

East Sussex
January 22, 2026
Deadline date:
£55 - £55 / hour

Job Description

Principal Solicitor – Litigation (Contentious)

£55 per hour | Hybrid working (1 day per week in office)

Mid Sussex

Our clients Legal Services team plays a central role in supporting the Monitoring Officer function and ensuring the clients decisions are legally robust, transparent and compliant with statutory requirements. The team provides legal advice across all functions and works closely with external solicitors and specialist counsel where specialist expertise is required. Our work supports the delivery of both statutory and non-statutory services, including taking legal action where necessary to protect the Client interests. You will provide expert legal advice, representation and support across a broad range of contentious matters, including:

  • Licensing
  • Environmental health
  • Housing litigation
  • Property litigation
  • Criminal prosecutions
  • Debt recovery
  • Judicial review
  • Regulatory and general litigation

The role involves advising Members and officers, attending court and committee meetings, and supporting the effective management and development of the Legal Services team.

Key responsibilities

  • Act as a trusted adviser to Members and officers at all levels of the organisation
  • Manage a complex and varied litigation caseload with minimal supervision
  • Represent or support legal proceedings, inquiries and hearings (with or without Counsel)
  • Attend statutory and committee meetings as legal adviser on behalf of the Monitoring Officer

Essential

  • Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (or equivalent)
  • Strong experience of litigation within a local government context
  • Working knowledge of environmental health, licensing, housing, judicial review and civil/criminal litigation
  • Experience of attending courts, committees and tribunals
  • Knowledge of relevant court, committee and inquiry procedures
  • Experience implementing and advising on new legislation

To find out more information please contact Lily at Lilye@4recruitmentservices.com

Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. We are an equal opportunity agency.