At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own caseload, providing housing law advice and legal aid casework.
- Company: Join Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton, a leading provider of legal advice.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous holiday, pension scheme, and mental health support.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression under a solicitor training contract.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Law degree or completion of SQE 1; experience in housing advice preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25650 - 31350 £ per year.
Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton (CABB) is a leading provider of legal advice and information, supporting thousands of clients every year. We are a busy, client-focused and dynamic service with a track record of delivering high quality advice face to face, over the phone and digitally.
Our communities are facing unprecedented challenges with rising costs. The rising cost-of-living continues to directly impact individuals and families, with more people than ever in negative budgets, debt and housing crises.
Our Housing Team provides both one-off advice and legal aid casework across Greater Manchester. We support vulnerable clients across a range of housing issues including possession claims, anti-social behaviour injunctions, unlawful eviction injunctions, homelessness appeals, judicial reviews. We also carry out Housing Loss Prevention Advice Scheme work at Wigan County Court by providing advice and representation for rent and mortgage possession hearings.
In 2025-2026, we supported over 2,000 clients with over 3,000 issues relating to housing. We signed up over 600 clients across Greater Manchester for Legal Aid support.
There is no average case: each client and case is different. As a Housing Paralegal / Adviser, you will manage your own caseload from instruction through to completion, working under appropriate supervision and alongside an established team of solicitors, advisers, caseworkers and administration support.
This role combines specialist housing law advice, legal aid casework, court preparation and holistic client support. It is a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional development, with support to build legal drafting, litigation, advocacy and housing law expertise beyond standard CPD requirements. This role offers (following successful completion of probation) an opportunity to progress under a solicitor training contract.
About you:
- Law degree (or completion of SQE 1) is essential
- Experience of working in housing advice or legal aid services
- Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with a diverse range of clients, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Organisational skills with the ability to adapt, prioritise deadlines and competing tasks in a fast-paced legal aid and advice environment.
- Empathetic, compassionate and resilient, with an understanding of trauma-informed approaches and the ability to adapt to client needs.
- A genuine passion for continual professional development and social justice.
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDI&B):
We believe inclusion is a social justice issue - a principle that underpins our EDI&B work. To that end, we particularly welcome applications from local individuals who are representative of the local communities we serve - this is not just a matter of diversity but of strategic importance to ensure our services are grounded in the realities of our communities.
We value the people who work here. The following are included within the employee remuneration packages as standard:
- A flexible 35 hour working week (for full time employees)
- Generous holiday entitlement – starting at 25 days per year, increasing to 30 (in addition to bank holidays), pro-rata for part time
- Additional day off for your birthday
- 5% employer contribution pension scheme
- Access to 24/7 confidential telephone counselling and structured counselling support
- Access to online GP and telephone counselling services
- Enhanced family friendly leave and occupational sick leave
- Access to ‘Blue Light Card’ and other charity discount schemes
Housing Paralegal in Manchester employer: Breath HR
Breath HR in Chadwell St. Mary is an excellent employer that prioritises a supportive and nurturing work environment for its staff. With flexible hours tailored for parents, grandparents, and students, the company fosters a culture of growth and development, offering comprehensive training to ensure all employees feel confident in their roles. Join us to make a meaningful impact on young children's lives while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a community-focused nursery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Paralegal in Manchester
✨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.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
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 Breath HR, 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 Housing Paralegal in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Breath HR, 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 Breath HR and the specific role of Housing Paralegal. 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 Breath HR’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Breath HR
✨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 Breath HR.
✨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 Breath HR.
