At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on housing management litigation and support risk management.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest housing groups dedicated to affordable living.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Agile role with travel across various locations and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or legal executive with housing management experience.
We’re building thriving communities as one of the UK’s largest housing groups and a leading developer of affordable housing. We believe everyone is entitled to a good home they can afford, in a place they are proud to live. More than 100,000 people live in our homes. If you want to experience work that’s truly rewarding, join us. Because when we achieve together, customers and communities thrive. Work for Orbit. Believe in people.
Orbit is delighted to be recruiting for an In-House Counsel - Housing Management, to join our Legal team in this newly created role to Orbit Group. In this role you will provide specialist legal advice and case handling on housing management litigation, supporting the organisation to manage risk, enforce tenancy obligations, and achieve fair, lawful and proportionate outcomes. The successful candidate will be a qualified lawyer, solicitor or legal executive, evidencing exposure to housing management or tenancy operations.
This is an agile working role with travel included, covering all of our geographical locations - Coventry, Stratford, Norwich and Erith. This role can be based out of any of these.
This role is part of Regulatory & Governance where you'll help us give colleagues the support and expertise they need to be brilliant.
What you’ll achieve:
- Manage a caseload of housing management litigation matters, including possession, injunctions, anti-social behaviour and related proceedings.
- Provide expert legal advice to housing and neighbourhood teams on litigation risk, evidence, proportionality and decision-making.
- Draft and review pleadings, notices, witness statements and settlement documentation.
- Instruct, manage and oversee external solicitors and counsel where matters are outsourced.
- Support the Lead In-House Counsel (Litigation) in collating management information, trends and performance data.
- Contribute to the development of policies, templates, guidance and training for frontline teams.
- Support and, where appropriate, supervise more junior lawyers, paralegals and legal assistants.
- Promote consistency, quality and legal compliance across housing management litigation activity.
What you’ll bring:
Essential skills:
- Qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive (with litigation practice rights) in England and Wales (or equivalent relevant qualification/experience).
- Significant experience of housing management litigation, including possession and ASB matters.
- Strong knowledge of housing law, civil procedure and evidential requirements.
- Ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice to non-legal colleagues in operational settings.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage a busy litigation caseload.
Desirable skills:
- Experience working within or for a registered provider of social housing.
- Experience supporting or supervising junior legal staff.
- Experience of performance reporting and use of case management systems.
- Experience contributing to service design, training or continuous improvement activity.
Why Orbit?
Choosing us means being rewarded in every sense. Here’s what you can expect to enjoy with us:
- A rewarding experience that works for you: We strive to create an inclusive experience with benefits and wellbeing programmes designed to help you, and your loved ones, to thrive.
- A place to progress: From training programmes to professional qualifications, we provide opportunities to learn and develop at every stage of your career.
- A purpose to feel proud of: We’re proud to make a difference to people together. We’re values-driven with a commercial focus on performance.
How we hire:
We aim to make our hiring process simple and fair: Online application, Interview(s), Decision and offer. We put the safeguarding of our customers, colleagues and contractors at the heart of everything we do and as such, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check.
In-House Counsel - Housing Management employer: Orbit Group
At Orbit, we pride ourselves on being a leading housing group dedicated to building thriving communities and providing affordable homes. Our work culture is rooted in collaboration and a strong commitment to customer focus, ensuring that our employees feel valued and empowered to make a difference. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a supportive environment, joining us as a Contracts & Standards Manager means contributing to meaningful change while enjoying the benefits of working for an organisation that truly believes in people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land In-House Counsel - Housing Management
✨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.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Orbit Group, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace In-House Counsel - Housing Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Orbit Group, 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 Orbit Group and the specific role of In-House Counsel - Housing Management. 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 Orbit Group’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orbit Group
✨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 Orbit Group.
✨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 Orbit Group.
