Housing/ Property Solicitor -Leasehold Specialist in Preston

The Role

Forbes Solicitors LLP are seeking a Complex Leasehold Solicitor who has specialist knowledge in residential leasehold litigation to join our Housing Litigation team at our Walton Summit, Preston based office.

This is an exciting opportunity for a solicitor with a strong background in complex leasehold matters and property litigation to take on high-quality, varied work acting for some of the UK's leading Registered Providers and social housing organisations. Whether you already have experience working within the housing sector, or you are an experienced property litigator open to develop a specialist career in social housing, we would love to hear from you.

As a key member of the team, you will:

• Manage a complex and varied caseload of leasehold and property litigation matters.
• Advise housing association and registered provider clients on:
  • Service charge disputes
  • Rent and Service Charge Reviews/letters/notices
  • Allocation disputes
  • Scheme Management
  • Leasehold management issues
  • Lease extensions
  • Section 20 consultation processes
  • Breaches of covenant
  • Forfeiture proceedings
  • Rights of way and easements
  • Boundary disputes
  • Adverse possession claims
  • Landlord and tenant disputes (residential and commercial)
  • First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) proceedings
• Conduct and manage County Court, High Court and Tribunal litigation.
• Provide strategic legal advice and risk management guidance to clients.
• Draft pleadings, applications, witness evidence and legal correspondence.
• Attend client meetings, site visits, mediations, tribunals and court hearings.
• Undertake advocacy where appropriate or instruct and manage Counsel.
• Support and mentor junior lawyers, trainees and paralegals.
• Contribute to business development initiatives, client training, legal updates and thought leadership.
• Build strong relationships with clients and contribute to the continued growth of Forbes' Housing & Regeneration Group.

The Person

We are open to candidates who have the knowledge and experience of Associate or Senior Associate level. We recognise that some of the best leasehold specialists have built their expertise outside the housing sector. Applications are welcomed from experienced property litigators with strong residential leasehold expertise who are looking to develop a specialism acting for social housing clients.

Full training and sector support will be provided to the right candidate.

We will be progressing applicants to the next stage based on the candidate’s demonstrated knowledge, experience, and skills in:

Essential:

• Be qualified Solicitor or CILEX (with litigation practice rights and advocacy rights)
• Previous experience of working within housing/property litigation.
• Demonstrable expertise in leasehold law and complex property litigation.
• Experience conducting advocacy/attending courts/tribunals.
• Proven experience of handling own caseload, working to and managing deadlines, alongside the capability to generate fees in accordance with agreed targets.
• Aligns with the Firm’s values.

Desirable

• Previous experience within supervising Paralegals / Solicitors.
• Previous experience working within Social Housing clients.
• A strong understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing social housing.
• Previous experience with Business Development activities, with the ability to network with potential clients and introduce them to the Firm.

The Firm

At Forbes Solicitors, we believe in creating a supportive and collaborative environment where our team members can thrive and develop themselves and others. We offer a comprehensive range of legal services and have offices across the North, with deep roots in Lancashire. Our team are known for its genuine, practical advice and passion for achieving the best results. We are real people who listen to each other and work together to deliver exceptional service.

We are proud to have been awarded UK Employer of the Year: Silver (250+) at the Investors in People Awards 2024 and the Firm is ranked as a Legal 500 Top Tier Firm and a Chambers and Partners Leading Firm.

We are a values led Firm and are looking for people who embody our values: authenticity, striving for exceptional results, and unity in teamwork to join our award-winning Firm.

The Benefits

We are dedicated to supporting our people and offer a range of benefits, including:

• 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
• Annual leave purchase scheme (Subject to T&Cs).
• Enhanced family friendly policies and pay for Maternity, Paternity and Adoption.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Celebration and Volunteer leave.
• Ongoing professional development and progression opportunities.
• Profit share scheme.
• Additional long service awards.
• Subsidised tuck shops.
• Staff discount on Firm services.
• Health care benefits (Health Cash Back Plan and Mental Health Counselling Services).
• BUPA (Solicitor positions only, for self, not dependents).
• Retail and gym membership discounts.
• Recruitment and legal department referrals (Subject to T&Cs).
• Annual Events.

Forbes is an equal opportunities and disability-confident employer, accredited by Investors in People and ISO 9001 quality management systems. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment, service provision, and supplier engagement, and strive to maintain a workforce that reflects the local community.