At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on complex housing law matters and manage a diverse caseload.
- Company: Local Authority in Manchester with a focus on community service.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and impactful public sector work.
- Other info: Join a supportive legal team and contribute to meaningful service delivery improvements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing law while supporting local communities.
- Qualifications: Experienced housing or litigation lawyer with strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
A local Authority based in the North West is seeking an experienced Senior Lawyer to join its Legal Services team within the Chief Executive’s Directorate. This is a high-profile role supporting both Manchester and Salford City Councils, providing expert legal advice and representation on complex and strategically important matters, primarily within social housing and housing litigation law. You will play a key role in supporting service delivery, advising internal departments, and ensuring the Council’s legal interests are effectively protected and progressed.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality, timely and strategic legal advice on complex housing law matters
- Manage a mixed caseload with minimal supervision, including:
- Possession proceedings
- Anti-social behaviour injunctions
- Housing disrepair claims
- Estate management issues
- Other social housing litigation matters
- Conduct advocacy in the County Court and Magistrates’ Court where required
- Draft high-quality legal documents and court pleadings
- Advise Council departments and social housing providers on legal risk and strategy
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Identify legal issues and provide clear, solution-focused advice
- Keep up to date with changes in housing law and procedure
- Deputise for senior colleagues when required
About You
The successful candidate will be a confident and experienced housing or litigation lawyer with strong technical ability and a proactive approach. You will have:
- Strong experience in housing litigation law
- Ability to manage a complex caseload independently
- Excellent advocacy and negotiation skills
- Strong drafting and legal analytical skills
- The ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and effectively
- A solution-focused mindset with a commitment to high-quality service delivery
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders and client departments
- Leadership and professional responsibility
- High-level service delivery and case management
- Strong influencing and relationship-building skills
- Adaptability and openness to change
- Commitment to equality, diversity and public service values
- Pride in delivering legal services for Manchester communities
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to work on high-quality public sector legal work with real impact across Manchester and Salford, within a supportive and professional legal team environment. You will be working on complex and varied housing matters, with the opportunity to contribute to meaningful service delivery improvements.
Rate & Application
Immediate or short-notice start available. To apply or find out more about this opportunity, please send your CV and availability, or contact Umar Tawil, Recruitment Consultant at CRA Consulting, for a confidential discussion.
Senior Housing Lawyer in Manchester employer: CRA Consulting
Join a dynamic local authority in Manchester, where you will be part of a dedicated legal team making a tangible difference in the community. With a strong focus on professional development and a collaborative work culture, this role offers the chance to engage with complex housing law matters while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model. Benefit from competitive rates and the opportunity to influence public service delivery in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Housing Lawyer in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Housing Lawyer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Specialisation:In the legal sector, it's all about the details. Be sure to highlight your specific areas of law, such as corporate, criminal, or family law, in your CV. Mention any relevant qualifications, certifications, and experience that clearly demonstrate your expertise in these fields.
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As a freelancer in the legal field, it’s essential to demonstrate your depth of knowledge in specific areas of law relevant to CRA Consulting. Have a few examples ready of cases you've worked on or legal research you've conducted that showcases your expertise—whether it's contract law, intellectual property, or another niche.
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