Litigation Assistant - Housing Disrepair

This is a remote position.

Housing Disrepair Litigation Assistant

Location: Must Be based in Cape Town

Our client, a highly reputable and long-established law firm recognised for its success in personal injury and consumer claims, is seeking a Housing Disrepair Litigation Assistant to join their expanding team. With consistent year-on-year growth and strong client satisfaction ratings, the firm has built a solid reputation within the legal services sector.

The Opportunity

This role involves supporting a senior fee earner in managing a caseload of pre- and post-issue Housing Disrepair matters. Prior experience in housing disrepair law is advantageous but not required, as full, structured training will be provided. The successful candidate will work closely with supervisors and colleagues to gradually build expertise, starting with foundational tasks and progressing to more complex responsibilities.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with case handling throughout the entire litigation process, from initial letter of claim through to trial.
  
• Ensuring a high standard of client care and maintaining regular communication regarding case progress.
  
• Proactively liaising with clients to obtain necessary instructions and documentation.
  
• Managing tasks and progressing cases, including:
  
• Conducting legal research.
  
• Drafting key legal documents such as letters of claim and court pleadings.
  
• Instructing counsel and liaising with expert engineers.
  
• Collating evidence bundles and taking witness statements.
  
• Reviewing expert reports and evaluating cases in accordance with disclosed evidence.
  
• Keeping case management records updated accurately.
  
• Assisting in preparing cases for trial, including assembling trial bundles and briefing counsel.
  
• Negotiating with third parties and advising clients on settlement opportunities.
  

Expected Milestones

Within the first month:

• Efficiently manage and diarise daily chaser tasks.
  
• Navigate the firm's case management system proficiently.
  
• Draft letters of claim independently.
  
• Conduct introductory client calls with confidence.
  

Within three months:

• Meet or exceed personal time recording targets.
  
• Manage workload independently, ensuring completion of assigned tasks.
  
• Summarise third-party disclosure accurately in file notes.
  
• Draft high-quality instructions to expert surveyors.
  

Within six months:

• Draft Claim Forms and Particulars of Claim.
  
• Prepare instructions for Counsel.
  
• Collate complete bundles for trial and interim hearings.
  
• Review expert reports and advise clients in writing.
  
• Assess case value based on evidence and expert findings.