At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic housing team, managing cases and mentoring junior solicitors.
- Company: Join Duncan Lewis, a top-tier law firm known for its commitment to justice and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent progression opportunities, a supportive team, and recognition for your legal achievements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in social housing law while working in a hybrid environment with a diverse team.
- Qualifications: 3+ years PQE in Housing and Litigation, with strong advocacy and management skills required.
- Other info: Duncan Lewis values inclusivity and offers guaranteed interviews for candidates with disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 85000 £ per year.
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Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd) is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and was founded in 1998. We are headquartered in the City of London, with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK as a top-tier law firm in all key practice areas. Our ethos is to give people a voice.
Choosing a career with Duncan Lewis means joining a firm that is the largest provider of publicly funded (legal aid) legal services in the country, with a growing private client practice. We have been Investors in People Gold Standard accredited for over 15 years and are nationally recognised for our work.
Our Housing team is ranked and recommended by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK for its social housing services nationwide. We assist both landlords and tenants on issues such as homelessness, disrepair, eviction, and neighbourhood problems, handling both publicly funded (legal aid) and privately funded cases. Our solicitors are experienced in housing disputes, representing clients at all court levels, including judicial review matters at the High Court.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:- Report directly to and collaborate with the Board to meet performance targets
- Provide technical expertise and guidance in Housing work
- Represent clients as Housing Court Duty Scheme over the last 2 years
- Manage and supervise Solicitors, Trainee Solicitors, and Caseworkers
- Assist with training and development in the department
- Handle a variety of housing cases and undertake advocacy
- Manage emergency cases and strategic litigation
- Prepare and manage funding applications to the Legal Aid Agency
- Draft documents and process evidence
- Maintain a proactive approach, strong client care skills, and interest in Business Development and Marketing
- 3+ years PQE with proven experience in Housing and Litigation, including court representation
- Experience as Duty Advisor under Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme in the last 2 years
- Meet or willing to work towards the 2013 SQM Supervisor standard in Housing
- Experience in welfare rights and community care issues
- Valid Practicing Certificate
- Strong management skills
- Team player with a proactive approach and excellent client care skills
- Networking and communication skills, ability to market the company
- Knowledge of publicly funded housing work and ability to handle private cases
- Advocacy experience is an advantage
- Excellent IT skills, familiar with Microsoft Office and document management systems
- Legal sector experience preferred
- Ability to manage social media activity
What we offer:
- A supportive team
- Excellent progression opportunities
- Support for legal awards/recognition
The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability for the role.
Duncan Lewis is committed to Equal Opportunities and diversity. We strive to ensure our staff reflect the communities we serve. We guarantee an interview for candidates disclosing a disability who meet the essential requirements. Please mention this in your cover letter if applicable.
Social Housing Solicitor-Director - Salary £68K Per Annum- Brighton employer: Duncan Lewis
Contact Detail:
Duncan Lewis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Housing Solicitor-Director - Salary £68K Per Annum- Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal frameworks and recent changes in social housing law. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in your field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing law sector, especially those who have experience with Duncan Lewis Solicitors. Attend relevant legal events or webinars to make connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your advocacy skills by preparing examples of past cases where you've successfully represented clients. Be ready to discuss these experiences in detail during your interview to highlight your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Duncan Lewis Solicitors' recent achievements and initiatives, particularly in diversity and inclusion. Being knowledgeable about the firm’s values can help you align your answers with their ethos during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Housing Solicitor-Director - Salary £68K Per Annum- Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in housing law and litigation. Emphasise your court representation skills and any specific cases you've handled that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for social housing law. Mention your experience as a Duty Advisor under the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme and how it relates to the responsibilities of the role.
Highlight Your Management Skills: Since the role involves managing solicitors and caseworkers, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience and how you've contributed to team development in previous positions.
Showcase Your Commitment to Diversity: Duncan Lewis values diversity and inclusion. In your application, mention any initiatives or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these principles within the legal sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan Lewis
✨Research the Firm
Before your interview, take some time to research Duncan Lewis Solicitors. Understand their ethos, values, and recent achievements. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the firm.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience in housing law and litigation in detail. Highlight specific cases you've worked on, especially those involving court representation or the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Client Care Skills
Since the role requires strong client care skills, think of examples where you've successfully managed client relationships or resolved disputes. Be ready to explain how you ensure clients feel supported and informed throughout the legal process.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm's approach to diversity, training opportunities, or their future goals in social housing law. This shows your engagement and forward-thinking attitude.