At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice and manage complex property-related cases.
- Company: Join SettleParadigm, the largest housing group in the region with a social purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while growing your legal career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be an admitted Solicitor with at least four years of experience.
The predicted salary is between 60268 - 60268 £ per year.
Solicitor Salary: £60,268 plus excellent benefits
Location: Wooburn Green, High Wycombe OR Letchworth Garden City. Work from either our Letchworth Garden City or Wooburn Green, High Wycombe office base (minimum of two days per week in the office and three days per week working from home)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose? At SettleParadigm, we’re proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising the number of new affordable homes we build.
Due to growth across the organisation, we are now looking for a skilled and confident Solicitor to join our in-house Legal Services team on a permanent basis. This is a senior role where you will provide expert legal advice, manage complex cases and help shape how we manage legal risk across the organisation.
About the Role
As our Solicitor, you will deliver high quality legal services across the SettleParadigm Group. You will work closely with Executive Directors, Directors, Heads of Service and senior colleagues, providing clear, practical and commercially aware legal advice. You will manage a varied caseload that includes property related matters including leasehold management, commercial contracts and data protection. Caseload may also include mixed property litigation work.
- Act as an expert business partner providing high quality legal advice across the Group
- Manage a significant caseload of mixed property related work including non-contentious matters such as leasehold disputes, service charge challenges, deeds of variation, commercial contracts and dispute resolution transactional work
- Represent SettleParadigm at Courts, Tribunals and other forums
- Deliver strong legal and commercial outcomes through effective legal advice
- Ensure compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority Code of Conduct
- Contribute to a high performing Legal Services team that is adaptable and multi-skilled
- Champion a learning culture around legal risk and dispute resolution
- Review legal risks and develop mitigation strategies with senior leaders
- Coordinate the Group Legal Risk Register and support reporting to executives and non-executives
- Support systems and processes that help manage litigation effectively
- Deputise for the Head of Legal when required
- Lead on special projects from time to time
- Design and deliver training on landlord and tenant law, housing management and litigation
- Guide colleagues on being intelligent clients when working with external legal providers
- Draft high quality reports for senior stakeholders
- Invest in CPD and ongoing personal development
What We’re Looking For
Must haves:
- Admitted Solicitor of England and Wales with a current practising certificate or eligible to apply
- Minimum of four years post admission experience or a Barrister with four years post call
- Strong track record in contentious and non-contentious matters, including landlord and tenant, leasehold disputes, service charge challenges, easements and deeds of variation.
- Experience working under pressure to deliver results to tight timelines
- Ability to build strong relationships with leaders, colleagues and stakeholders
- Good knowledge of civil procedure rules, housing management, landlord and tenant law and contract law
- Ability to use case management systems effectively
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and negotiate
- Ability to prepare persuasive written and verbal reports for senior audiences
Nice to haves:
- Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team
- Experience in commissioning and managing work from external legal providers
- Experience working in an in-house legal team
- Experience delivering training on legal topics
- Knowledge of social housing, charities, property, development or regulated sectors
Benefits
At SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.
- £60,268 per annum
- 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options
- Generous pension scheme up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
- Family-friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Health cash plan claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids cover)
- Life cover and income protection
- Flexible working hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging
- Mental Health First Aiders available to support
- Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)
- Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
- 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities
- Peer-recognition rewards platform
- Paid professional subscription (one per year)
Working Hours & Location:
37 hours per week, Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:30 Monday - Thursday 09:00 - 17:00 Friday
Work from either our Letchworth Garden City or Wooburn Green, High Wycombe office base (minimum of two days per week in the office and three days per week working from home)
Our Commitment
We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.
Lawyer - Commercial (part time, Fixed Term in High Wycombe employer: Paradigm Housing
SettleParadigm is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth within a values-led organisation dedicated to social purpose. With a supportive work culture, flexible hybrid working options, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous leave, health cash plans, and funded training opportunities, we empower our team to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer - Commercial (part time, Fixed Term in High Wycombe
✨Leverage Your Local Law Community
Get involved with local legal societies or student law associations; they often have great networking events and workshops. It’s a brilliant way to meet practising lawyers and potentially get referred for part-time roles at firms like Paradigm Housing.
✨Showcase Your Skills with Mock Trials
Participate in mock trial competitions or legal clinics while studying. This not only sharpens your skills but also gives you practical experiences to talk about in interviews—perfect for a part-time role in law!
✨Tap Into Internship Networks
Make use of university career services to find internships or part-time opportunities. Many law firms source talent directly from student pools, so getting your foot in the door can lead to a longer-term position at a place like Paradigm Housing!
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
Don’t forget to check out Paradigm Housing’s careers page for specific listings. Applying directly can often give you an edge—plus, we appreciate candidates who show interest in our firm specifically!
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer - Commercial (part time, Fixed Term in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Law Experience:When applying for this part-time role, make sure to focus on any legal internships, placements, or volunteer work you've done. Even if it’s just shadowing a lawyer, let us know how these experiences shaped your understanding of law and legal services. Every bit counts and shows your commitment to the field!
Use Clear Legal Terminology:Since you’re applying for a position in law services, it’s important to use appropriate legal terminology in your CV and cover letter. This will not only demonstrate your knowledge but also show us that you’re comfortable with the language of the profession. Avoid jargon overload, though; clarity is key!
Show Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, don’t forget to clearly state your availability in your application. Let us know what days and hours you’re free to work, and make it easy for us to see how you’d fit into our team. The more specific, the better!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Just For Us:Your cover letter is a chance to shine! Make it personal and tailored specifically to our role at Paradigm Housing. Talk about why you’re interested in legal services and how your experiences align with what we do. A sprinkle of passion goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paradigm Housing
✨Show Off Your Legal Knowledge
Brush up on key legal concepts and current events in the legal realm that may affect your role. Be ready to discuss any relevant case studies or examples, as this demonstrates your engagement with the law beyond just theoretical knowledge.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions where you might be assessed on how you'd handle specific legal situations. Think about practical examples from your studies or previous experiences that highlight your problem-solving skills and ethical considerations.
✨Balance Your Expertise with Flexibility
As this is a part-time role, be prepared to discuss your time management skills and how you can juggle work with your studies or other commitments. Employers will want to see how you can contribute effectively while maintaining a flexible schedule.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Continuous Learning
Conveying your dedication to ongoing education in the legal field gives a strong impression. Mention any additional courses, certifications, or workshops you've pursued that enhance your legal expertise, showing your motivation for growth in your career.
