At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support to tackle housing issues and fight for justice.
- Company: Join Shelter, a passionate team dedicated to housing rights.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, family-friendly policies, and travel loans.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by challenging housing injustices.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 3+ years in housing law and Legal Aid.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to systemic change.
The predicted salary is between 43338 - 52005 £ per year.
Location: Covering our Dorset service – This can be a hybrid role based on service demands.
Salary: Grade 6 - £43,338 per annum.
Full time: 37.5 per week.
Contract: Permanent.
Closing date: Wednesday 4th February 2026 at 11.30 pm.
Join Shelter as a Housing Solicitor, in our mission to drive systemic change and fight for justice. If you are a dedicated Solicitor with specialist knowledge in housing and homelessness law, and a strong commitment to addressing the housing crisis, we welcome you.
At a time when the housing emergency continues to deepen, your experience could help transform lives and challenge the systems that perpetuate injustice. Come and play a central role in our mission as a Solicitor to defend the right to a safe and secure home.
Working with Shelter means being part of a passionate team that believes a safe home is a fundamental right. Here, your legal skills don’t just change lives—they shape a fairer housing system.
About the role
You will ensure you deliver high quality legal services through casework and ensuring Legal aid contract requirements and performance targets are met. You will be able to identify test case opportunities to address systemic bad practice and so achieve change for a greater number of people and will work closely with the Managing Solicitor and the HUB.
About You
In this role, you will:
- Be a qualified Solicitor (3+ years PQE) with a strong track record in housing law and Legal Aid work.
- Deliver high-quality legal advice and representation under our Legal Aid contract, including at Bournemouth and Weymouth County Court.
- Challenge unfair housing practices and systemic causes of homelessness through strategic casework and litigation.
- Work closely with our Dorset Hub team to strengthen housing rights awareness across Dorset.
- Support Trainee Solicitors and Legal Advisers, ensuring high professional standards and compliance.
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.
About The Team
Our legal Teams (Managing Solicitors, Solicitors, Legal Advisors and Trainees) are based throughout the England hubs, we are currently based in London, Plymouth, Bristol, Norwich, Birmingham, Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Sheffield and Newcastle. Our teams are enthusiastic, driven and champions for fighting the housing injustice. Our teams whilst generating an income also address the housing crisis.
About Shelter
Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions 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. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV with a supporting statement with responses to the 'About You' points 1-7 outlined in the job description of no more than 1000 words. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviour below throughout your responses: We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset.
Safeguarding Statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Recruitment Agencies
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
Solicitor - Dorset in London employer: Shelter
Contact Detail:
Shelter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor - Dorset in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in housing law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Shelter and its mission. Show us you’re passionate about fighting housing injustice and how your experience aligns with our goals. We love candidates who are genuinely invested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in housing law and how you’ve tackled challenges in the past. Use the STAR method to keep it structured and impactful—this will help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor - Dorset in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Housing Solicitor. Highlight your experience in housing law and any relevant Legal Aid work. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Shelter!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use the STAR format to provide specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and commitment to fighting housing injustice. We love seeing real-life applications of your skills.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your passion for housing rights and social justice come through in your application. We’re looking for candidates who are not just qualified, but also genuinely care about making a difference in people’s lives.
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 to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shelter
✨Know Your Housing Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housing and homelessness law before the interview. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that could impact your work. This will show your passion for the role and your commitment to fighting for justice.
✨Showcase Your Casework Experience
Prepare specific examples of your previous casework, especially those that highlight your ability to challenge unfair practices. Use the STAR method to structure your responses, focusing on the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This will help demonstrate your practical skills and how you've made a difference in people's lives.
✨Understand Shelter's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Shelter's mission and values. Be ready to articulate why you want to work for them specifically and how your personal values align with their commitment to social justice. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely invested in their cause.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the role, team dynamics, or future challenges in housing law. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the organisation is the right fit for you. Remember, interviews are a two-way street!