Housing and Litigation Solicitor in Ormskirk

Employer: West Lancashire Borough Council

Location: Ormskirk / Hybrid, with travel to other locations required

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Solicitor with extensive experience in Housing Conditions Claims to play a key role in delivering a high quality, proactive and customer focused legal service to the Council. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Law and Governance, you will manage a varied caseload while supporting strategic priorities and ensuring the Council operates within a robust legal framework. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of local government, contributing to the delivery of vital housing and regulatory services that directly impact our communities.

Please note that this role will involve appearing in Court and as such, you will need to have the relevant rights of audience and be able to attend Court hearings in Wigan on a regular basis.

About the Role

• Manage a diverse legal caseload with a primary focus on housing matters, including housing conditions claims, possession proceedings, injunctions and anti-social behaviour cases.
• Provide clear, pragmatic and solution-focused legal advice to officers and elected Members on complex and often sensitive issues; represent the Council in court, tribunals and inquiries, acting as an advocate and ensuring effective legal outcomes.
• Advise on a broader range of local government matters where required, including environmental health, planning, licensing, employment and regulatory work.
• Stay up to date with evolving legislation, policy and guidance, ensuring compliance and best practice across service areas.
• Support committees, working groups and meetings by providing timely and accurate legal input.
• Contribute to the development of legal procedures, policies and service improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to support joined-up service delivery.

You will play a key role in supporting the Council’s corporate objectives, helping to manage risk, uphold governance standards and strengthen legal compliance across the organisation.

What You Will Bring

• You will be a capable and confident legal professional with experience in housing law and litigation, and a strong commitment to public service.
• You will bring qualification as a Solicitor with demonstrable experience in housing litigation and public sector law.
• Strong technical knowledge of housing law, specifically, housing conditions claims, possession, ASB and injunctions.
• Experience of working in a local government or similarly complex environment, with an understanding of political and regulatory sensitivities.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to advise senior officers and elected Members.
• A proactive, solution-focused approach with sound judgement and attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.

You will be driven to deliver excellent outcomes, contribute to continuous improvement and support a culture that is customer-focused, professional and responsive.