Lawyer – Housing

3 Month Contract With A local Authority

To provide high-quality housing-related legal advice, litigation and advocacy services to the Council, supporting the Principal Housing Lawyer and Legal Services team in delivering effective, professional and cost-efficient legal support.

The postholder will manage a varied housing law caseload, provide specialist legal advice to Council departments, represent the Council in courts and tribunals, and ensure legal services are delivered in accordance with professional standards and Council objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of housing law matters with minimal supervision.
  
• Provide legal advice and guidance on housing and local government law.
  
• Conduct litigation and advocacy on behalf of the Council in:
  • County Courts
    
  • High Court
    
  • Tribunals
    
  • Inquiries
    
• Prepare pleadings, witness statements, legal submissions and court documentation.
  
• Represent the Council at hearings, tribunals and legal proceedings.
  
• Advise Committees, Sub-Committees and Working Groups on housing law matters.
  
• Draft reports and provide legal comments on reports submitted to Members and Committees.
  
• Research, interpret and apply legislation, case law and legal developments.
  
• Advise client departments on changes in housing legislation and legal practice.
  
• Maintain effective relationships with Council clients and stakeholders.
  
• Ensure all work complies with professional, legal and service standards.
  
• Use case management and IT systems effectively.
  
• Meet performance and case management targets set by Legal Services.
  
• Assist with recruitment and supervision activities when required.
  
• Support corporate projects and service improvement initiatives.
  
• Promote equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice in all aspects of work.
  
• Undertake other legal duties as required to support service delivery.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive.
  
• Minimum 2 years' post-qualification experience.
  
• Significant experience in contentious housing law.
  
• Experience undertaking:
  • Housing Litigation
    
  • Judicial Reviews
    
  • Advocacy
    
  • Possession Proceedings
    
  • Housing Advice
    
• Thorough and up-to-date knowledge of housing and local government law.
  
• Experience providing legal advice to clients and Council services.
  
• Strong advocacy and court representation skills.
  
• Excellent drafting, report writing and legal research skills.
  
• Experience using case management systems.
  
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Word and Excel.
  
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
  
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload and meet deadlines.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
• Understanding of local government operations and governance.
  

Desirable

• Experience working within a Local Authority legal team.
  
• Experience supervising trainees or junior legal staff.
  
• Experience advising committees and elected Members.
  
• Experience contributing to corporate projects and service developments.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Fully Remote
  
• Hours Per Week: 35 Hours
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments