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- Tasks: Manage complex housing disrepair litigation cases from start to finish.
- Company: Join Southend City Council's in-house legal service for impactful work.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; on-site presence required at least 2 days a week.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of Southend residents through quality legal support.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow with housing disrepair experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Your new role involves working as a full-time, permanent lawyer with substantial experience in housing disrepair litigation. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and committed legal professional with a proven track record in managing complex housing cases to join the Council's in-house legal service.
You will work under the supervision of the Principal and Senior Lawyers, taking ownership of a varied and demanding caseload. The role requires confident handling of housing litigation, with a particular focus on disrepair cases, dealing with cases from pre-litigation through to conclusion of litigation. This will include high-value and routine disrepair claims, possession proceedings, injunctions, closure orders and enforcement actions.
This is a pivotal position for someone who can work independently, deliver high-quality legal advice, and manage cases from start to finish. A strong understanding of the pre-action protocol for housing conditions claims and the litigation process is essential. The post includes a combination of routine administrative tasks, as well as the provision of clear written and verbal legal advice representing the Council in County and Magistrates court when required.
You will also support colleagues and clients with practical, policy work, and legal guidance, including interpretation of relevant bylaws and statutory frameworks. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Southend residents while contributing to the Council's commitment to quality housing standards.
Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week and be available to attend Court when required.
What you'll need to succeed:
- Fully qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.
- Knowledge and proven experience of local authority housing disrepair and housing experience.
- Experience of undertaking advocacy at County Court and Magistrate Court.
- Ability to keep pace with developments in the law, good research skills, and provide clear and concise legal advice.
- Familiarity with equal opportunities and the council's requirements for diversity.
- Ability to develop processes and pick up cases with ease.
What you'll get in return:
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
Lawyer - Housing Disrepair Litigation - Permanent in Essex employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer - Housing Disrepair Litigation - Permanent in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience in housing disrepair litigation. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights or even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local authority housing law and recent case studies. We want you to feel confident discussing your experience and how it relates to the role at Southend City Council.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! During interviews, be ready to discuss specific cases you've managed, particularly those involving disrepair claims. Highlight your ability to handle complex situations and deliver high-quality legal advice.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer - Housing Disrepair Litigation - Permanent in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. We want to see that you understand the role and can demonstrate how your experience aligns with the requirements, especially in housing disrepair litigation.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! We recommend tailoring your CV to highlight your relevant experience in housing disrepair cases and any advocacy work you've done. This will help us see why you're the perfect fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our team. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the position.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you provide all the requested information. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on housing disrepair litigation and the relevant laws. Familiarise yourself with the pre-action protocol for housing conditions claims, as well as any recent developments in the law. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage complex housing cases. Be ready to discuss high-value claims, possession proceedings, and any advocacy experience you have in County or Magistrates Court. This will highlight your suitability for the position.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Since the role involves providing clear legal advice, practice articulating your thoughts concisely. You might be asked to explain legal concepts or processes during the interview, so being able to communicate effectively is key. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your delivery.
✨Understand the Council's Values
Research Southend City Council’s commitment to quality housing standards and diversity. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely want to make a difference in the community.