At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on social housing matters and manage a diverse caseload.
- Company: Join SettleParadigm, the largest housing group in the region with a strong social purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and commitment to inclusivity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while growing your legal career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with experience in social housing law and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60268 - 60268 £ per year.
Salary: £60,268 + 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)
Hybrid working: Two days per week in the office and three days 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. Through our merger we've brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve. If you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we'd love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we're building a better future.
We are seeking an experienced Solicitor to join our in-house Legal Services team. This is a senior, hands-on role for a qualified solicitor with proven, recent experience working on social housing matters, either in-house for a housing provider, local authority or in private practice advising social housing clients. You will provide specialist legal advice, manage a complex caseload of housing and property litigation and non-contentious matters, and act as a trusted legal partner to senior leaders 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 varied property related matters including leasehold management, commercial contracts and data protection. Caseload may also include mixed property litigation work. You will also represent SettleParadigm at Courts, Tribunals and other forums when required. This is a role where you will influence decision making, support strategic objectives and help build a strong culture of legal awareness and risk management across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide clear, practical and commercially aware legal advice to Executive Directors, Heads of Service and operational teams on housing, property and related matters.
- Manage a mixed caseload of contentious and non-contentious housing work including leasehold management, possession and possession prevention, access injunctions, service charge disputes, disrepair and related litigation.
- Draft and negotiate deeds of variation, easements, licences, commercial contracts and tenancy-related documentation.
- Represent SettleParadigm at court, tribunal and other hearings where required.
- Lead on complex cases from instruction to resolution, including instructing and managing external counsel and counsel budgets.
- Maintain compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority Code of Conduct and support the Head of Legal in governance, risk and legal reporting.
- Contribute to the Legal Risk Register, deliver training on landlord and tenant law, and support the development of legal processes and case management systems.
- Deputise for the Head of Legal when required and lead special projects as needed.
- Invest in CPD and ongoing personal development.
What We're Looking For
Must haves:
- Admitted Solicitor of England & Wales with a current practising certificate (or Barrister with equivalent post-call experience).
- Minimum of four years post-qualification experience with demonstrable, recent experience advising social housing clients (either in-house or in private practice advising housing providers).
- Proven track record in both contentious and non-contentious housing law: possession, leasehold disputes, service charge challenges, disrepair, injunctions and related litigation.
- Experience representing clients in court or tribunal hearings.
- Strong knowledge of Civil Procedure Rules, housing management law and regulatory obligations affecting social landlords.
- Experience commissioning and managing external counsel and legal spend.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills; ability to present legal risk clearly to senior non-legal audiences.
- Experience using case management systems and producing management information for senior stakeholders.
Nice to haves:
- Prior in-house legal team experience within a housing association, local authority housing team or private practice team specialising in social housing.
- Experience of training operational teams on legal risk and tenancy management.
- Experience of data protection issues in a housing context, development or regeneration legal work, or charity/regulatory sector experience.
- Experience of managing a legal caseload with limited supervision.
Why this role is different
This role requires sector-specific expertise. You will be advising on resident-facing, high-risk matters where regulatory compliance, safeguarding and reputational risk are central. We need someone who understands the operational pressures of housing teams and can translate legal advice into practical, timely decisions.
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.
- Annual salary: £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
And that's just the beginning! We're also thrilled to provide:
- 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 would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.
Accessibility and Adjustments
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and will always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.
Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.
Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.
Closing Date: 15.08.2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.
Solicitor - Social Housing (In-House) employer: Paradigm Housing
At Paradigm, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and community engagement. As a Customer Liaison Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on residents' lives while benefiting from professional development and growth opportunities in the heart of our commitment to energy efficiency. Join us in a role that not only enhances your career but also contributes to a sustainable future for our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor - Social Housing (In-House)
✨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 Paradigm Housing, 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 Solicitor - Social Housing (In-House)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Paradigm Housing, 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 Paradigm Housing and the specific role of Solicitor - Social Housing (In-House). 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 Paradigm Housing’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paradigm Housing
✨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 Paradigm Housing.
✨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 Paradigm Housing.
