At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own caseload and provide specialist housing law advice to clients.
- Company: Join Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton, a leader in legal advice and community support.
- Benefits: Gain professional development, training opportunities, and a chance to progress to a solicitor role.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere focused on social justice and client support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your legal skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Law degree or completion of SQE 1 required; experience in housing advice is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ 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, and 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.
We’re Disability Confident. Disability Confident is a government scheme that supports employers to improve how they recruit, retain, and develop disabled people.
Housing Paralegal/Adviser employer: Citizens Advice BANES
Citizens Advice BANES is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the Aldershot community through its focus on energy access and debt solutions. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, staff members are encouraged to enhance their skills while working collaboratively to address complex energy issues. The unique opportunity to supervise outreach initiatives allows for direct engagement with the community, making this role not only rewarding but also vital in fostering positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Paralegal/Adviser
✨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 Citizens Advice BANES, 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/Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Citizens Advice BANES, 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 Citizens Advice BANES and the specific role of Housing Paralegal/Adviser. 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 Citizens Advice BANES’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizens Advice BANES
✨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 Citizens Advice BANES.
✨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 Citizens Advice BANES.
