Solicitor

Solicitor

Full-Time 44323 - 44323 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide expert legal representation and advice to clients facing housing issues.
  • Company: Join Shelter Scotland, a leading charity fighting for housing rights.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and various employee perks.
  • Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to social justice and systemic change.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by tackling the housing emergency.
  • Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with a current practising certificate and litigation experience.

The predicted salary is between 44323 - 44323 £ per year.

Are you a qualified Solicitor who is passionate about standing up for people’s rights and committed to achieving positive outcomes for clients? Then join Shelter as a Solicitor and you could soon be playing a vital role at the heart of our Legal team in Scotland.

About the role

You will work exclusively within our Scottish Legal Aid Board administered Early Resolution and Advice Programme grant funded project. Our solicitors play a fundamental role in increasing access to justice for people who are at risk of losing their home across the Borders and Tayside. You will attend Courts on a weekly basis to provide expert representation to clients facing heritable court eviction and mortgage repossession actions as a result of experiencing debt issues. You will have the opportunity to test the law and advance equalities defences in eviction actions. Our Project Solicitors play a crucial role in preventing homelessness across the Borders and Tayside.

Role specifics

We’re looking for a qualified solicitor with a current practising certificate from the Law Society of Scotland and experience of court or tribunal litigation. Working collaboratively with colleagues across our Early Resolution & Advice Partnership project, you’ll provide high-quality legal advice and representation, including in the Sheriff Court, Sheriff Appeal Court and First Tier Tribunal. You’ll have excellent case management and communication skills, a strong understanding of legal analysis and interpretation, and a passion for social justice, housing rights and delivering meaningful change for people facing the housing emergency.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme. We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

Scotland needs a housing system that puts people before profit, delivers a new generation of social homes, and upholds and strengthens housing rights rather than undermining them. Shelter Scotland Housing Law Service works collaboratively with colleagues, partner organisations, and communities to deliver that change. Our legal team prioritises tackling the root causes of the housing emergency through legal intervention and strategic litigation, that brings about systemic change. We engage in policy and campaigning on housing law and access to justice issues. The team has a strong focus on advancing equalities law and adopts a human rights-based approach in everything that we do.

About Shelter Scotland

Shelter Scotland is Scotland’s national housing and homelessness charity. Our vision is of a home for everyone in Scotland. For over 50 years, the way we drive change has remained the same. We advise and support people in housing need today and use the insight we gain to inform our campaigns to change tomorrow. We also raise professional standards for those working in Scotland’s housing and homelessness sector by offering a broad range of training courses. Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet every day thousands of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything. We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter Scotland. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Application notes

For further information and to apply, please visit our website.

Solicitor employer: Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

Shelter Scotland is an exceptional employer for solicitors passionate about social justice and housing rights. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working options, and a supportive work culture, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave and enhanced family-friendly policies. Join us in our mission to defend the right to a safe home and be part of a team that prioritises equality and systemic change.

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

Contact Details:

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Solicitor

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, attend events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Shelter Scotland and understanding their mission. Be ready to discuss how your passion for social justice aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about making a difference.

Tip Number 3

Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your experience in court litigation and how it relates to the role. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a real impact in the community.

We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor

Qualified Solicitor
Current Practising Certificate from the Law Society of Scotland
Court or Tribunal Litigation Experience
High-Quality Legal Advice and Representation
Case Management Skills
Communication Skills
Legal Analysis and Interpretation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for social justice and housing rights shine through. We want to see how committed you are to making a difference in people's lives, so share your experiences that reflect this dedication.

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Solicitor at Shelter Scotland. Highlight your relevant experience in court or tribunal litigation and any specific skills that align with our mission. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.

How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on housing law and the specific issues facing clients in Scotland. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legislation that relate to eviction and mortgage repossession. This will show your passion for social justice and your commitment to making a difference.

Showcase Your Experience

Be ready to discuss your previous court or tribunal litigation experience in detail. Prepare examples of how you've successfully represented clients, particularly in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling similar cases at Shelter.

Emphasise Collaboration

Since the role involves working closely with colleagues and partner organisations, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated effectively in the past, especially in legal settings. This will illustrate your ability to contribute positively to the Early Resolution & Advice Partnership project.

Align with Their Values

Research Shelter Scotland's mission and values thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with their commitment to tackling housing injustice and advancing equalities. Showing that you share their vision will make you a more attractive candidate.