At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse housing cases and provide expert guidance to team members.
- Company: Top-tier law firm with a commitment to client service and professional development.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, supportive team, and strong career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers training for all staff.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Must hold a valid Practising Certificate and have experience in housing law.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Role: Housing Litigation Solicitor
Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd) is regulated by the Solicitor's Regulation Authority and was founded in 1998. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK as a top-tier law firm in all key practice areas. We are a paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, servicing both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages.
Housing Department Background: Our Housing team is ranked and recommended for its services in social housing UK-wide, providing assistance to both landlords and tenants on all housing issues. We handle both publicly funded (legal aid) and privately funded legal services in homelessness, disrepair, eviction, succession for tenants, neighbourhood problems, debt issues, and possession proceedings. The department regularly represents clients at all court levels, including the Higher Courts.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
- Report directly to Department Director
- Responsible for all aspects of Housing work and providing technical expertise and guidance to other team members
- Ability to manage appropriate caseload types and complexities
- Assisting with a diverse caseload of public and private housing matters, such as:
- Homelessness applications and appeals
- Disrepair claims
- Eviction and possession proceedings
- Property ownership disputes
- Unlawful eviction cases
- Succession rights for tenants
- Neighbourhood and anti-social behaviour issues
- Conducting your own advocacy where appropriate
- Attending clients, taking instructions and preparing cases
- Dealing with correspondence
- Maintaining accurate time costing procedures
- Implementing recommendations made by your supervisor following monthly file reviews
- Ensuring compliance with file management
Key Skills Required:
- Must have a clean, valid Practising Certificate at the time of applying
- Committed team player with ability to foster a culture of positive change
- Previous proven supervisory experience and working to key performance indicators
- Professional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills
- Excellent networking and communication skills
- Excellent analytical and organisational skills
- Ability to use own initiative and sound judgment
- Working knowledge of publicly funded Housing work
- Extensive experience in dealing with all Housing related work
- Experience in own advocacy is an advantage
- Excellent IT Skills - familiar with Microsoft Office applications
What we offer:
- A fantastic supportive team
- Strong career progression with support for legal awards and professional recognition
- Attractive salary package with supervision bonus
The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.
Equal Opportunities: Duncan Lewis is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity of its staff. We guarantee an interview for candidates that disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post.
Housing Litigation Solicitors - Newcastle in North East employer: Duncan Lewis Solictors
Duncan Lewis Solicitors is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, where innovation meets legal expertise. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, we provide extensive training opportunities and embrace a hybrid-working model that promotes work-life balance. Our inclusive culture, recognised by multiple awards, ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the field of law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Litigation Solicitors - Newcastle in North East
✨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.
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✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
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✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Housing Litigation Solicitors - Newcastle in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Duncan Lewis Solictors, 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 Duncan Lewis Solictors and the specific role of Housing Litigation Solicitors - Newcastle. 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 Duncan Lewis Solictors’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duncan Lewis Solictors
✨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 Duncan Lewis Solictors.
✨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 Duncan Lewis Solictors.
