At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on housing law and manage a varied caseload.
- Company: Epping Forest District Council, committed to community support and legal excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on compliance and effective outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing law while supporting your community.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or equivalent with strong advocacy and housing law experience.
To provide high-quality, professional legal advice and representation on all aspects of housing law to the Council, its Members, officers, and partner organisations. The role supports the authority's statutory functions, ensuring compliance with legislation while managing legal risk and delivering effective outcomes for the community. The role holder will be required to ensure that all casework is well managed and dealt with in an efficient and cost-effective manner, ensuring that the organisations regulatory, statutory and common law obligations are met. Additionally, to raise awareness of developments within the sector, identify risk and provide training as required to the organisation, be an effective business partner to key internal stakeholders within the organisation who require support and advice in respect of their housing management operations and housing litigation. This role is specific to supporting our Housing & Property Directorate; however, subject to business need, there may be a requirement to assist with other areas and conduct work not set out under 'accountabilities' below, such as building compliance, compensation requests, complaints.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert legal advice on a wide range of housing matters, including:
- Homelessness duties (Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017)
- Allocations and housing registers
- Tenancy management, possession proceedings, and evictions
- Anti-social behaviour (ASB legislation and injunctions)
- Disrepair claims and housing conditions
- Equality and human rights considerations in housing decisions
- Advise on policy development, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations and best practice.
- Manage a varied caseload of housing law matters from instruction through to conclusion.
- Conduct or instruct advocacy in courts and tribunals, including:
- County Court possession claims
- Judicial review proceedings
- Appeals and homelessness reviews
- Draft legal documents including pleadings, witness statements, and settlement agreements.
- Liaise with external counsel where required.
About You
- A qualified Solicitor, Barrister, Legal Executive or equivalent.
- An experienced advocate in the Magistrates and County Court.
- Experience of advising on whether there is sufficient evidence to issue proceedings or defend a case.
- Strong technical experience in dealing with a wide range of non-contentious housing management matters and contentious landlord and tenant matters (including tenancy management issues, anti-social behaviour, possession, Injunctions and contempt of Court applications), either on the Claimant or Defendant side.
- Experience of successfully managing a large caseload, achieving excellent outcomes.
- Knowledge of the pre-action protocols and Civil Procedure Rules.
- Knowledge of the relevant statutory, regulatory and common law applicable to the housing management functions of a social landlord, and the provision of regulated social and affordable housing.
- Practical awareness and/or experience of the Data Protection Act 2018.
Working Arrangements
This role is offered on a Hybrid basis with an expectation of at least 3 days per week in the office or in attendance at court.
Principal Housing Lawyer employer: Adecco
Adecco is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and work-life balance, particularly for the Seasonal DBS Cleaner role in Chelmsford. Employees benefit from a competitive pension scheme and various incentives, alongside opportunities for personal growth and development within a dynamic team environment, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the cleanliness of educational settings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Housing Lawyer
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Adecco, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Housing Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Adecco, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Adecco and the specific role of Principal Housing Lawyer. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Adecco’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adecco
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Adecco.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Adecco.
