6 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
The Housing Litigation Lawyer will provide high-quality legal advice and representation to support the Councilâ s housing services and wider objectives. The role involves managing a varied caseload of housing litigation matters, providing clear and accurate legal guidance, undertaking advocacy, and ensuring the Council complies with relevant legislation, procedures, and professional standards. The postholder will work collaboratively with internal clients and external stakeholders to deliver effective, customer-focused legal services.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of housing litigation matters, including routine and complex legal cases, with appropriate levels of independence.
- Provide clear, consistent, and accurate legal advice to Council officers on housing law, litigation processes, and related legal issues.
- Undertake advocacy on behalf of the Council in courts, tribunals, hearings, and other legal forums where required.
- Draft legal documents, reports, statements, correspondence, and complex legal advice.
- Research, analyse, and interpret legislation, case law, and legal guidance relevant to housing litigation.
- Represent the Council at court hearings and advise officers on legal strategy, procedure, and outcomes.
- Support the preparation and presentation of evidence and legal arguments in housing-related proceedings.
- Maintain accurate case records and manage files in accordance with professional standards, including relevant case management and quality requirements.
- Ensure all legal work is delivered within agreed timescales, service standards, and client care expectations.
- Work collaboratively with housing teams and other Council departments to provide practical, outcome-focused legal solutions.
- Attend client meetings, internal briefings, committee meetings, and external meetings as required.
- Deliver legal training, seminars, and briefings to officers, Members, and stakeholders where appropriate.
- Monitor developments in housing legislation, legal practice, and local government services, advising on the impact of changes.
- Maintain professional knowledge and undertake continuous development to ensure effective legal practice.
- Support and supervise junior colleagues where required.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement and modernisation of the Legal Service.
- Ensure compliance with professional obligations, including regulatory requirements, confidentiality, equality, diversity, and data protection standards.
Requirements
Essential
- Qualified solicitor, barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX).
- Experience managing a caseload of both routine and complex legal matters.
- Experience providing legal advice on the interpretation and application of law.
- Experience in housing litigation or a related area of local authority legal practice.
- Experience undertaking advocacy and representing clients in court or tribunal settings.
- Strong understanding of housing law, litigation procedures, and legal processes.
- Ability to research and present complex legal arguments.
- Ability to manage a demanding caseload and prioritise competing deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong client care, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
- Experience using case management systems and maintaining accurate legal records.
- Ability to provide high-quality legal services in line with professional standards.
- Strong IT skills and ability to work with digital systems.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, confidentiality, and professional integrity.
Desirable
- Experience working within a local authority legal service.
- Experience dealing specifically with housing possession proceedings, homelessness, disrepair, tenancy matters, or related housing litigation.
- Experience attending committee meetings or advising elected Members.
- Experience delivering legal training or presentations.
- Knowledge of Lexcel standards and Solicitors Regulation Authority requirements.
Additional Information
- Hours: 37 hours per week.
- Location: Within the London Borough of Hackney, with attendance at courts, meetings, and external locations as required.
- Pay: Bi-weekly payments.
