At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to fight for housing justice and support clients in need.
- Company: Shelter, a passionate organisation dedicated to defending the right to a safe home.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, family-friendly policies, and more!
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to systemic change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives and challenge housing injustices.
- Qualifications: Legal experience in housing law or a strong interest in social justice.
The predicted salary is between 32585 - 44323 € per year.
1 post available
Location: Rochdale - linked to Manchester Hub
This can be a hybrid role based on service demands
Salary: Solicitor - Grade 5 - £38,724 or Grade 6 - £44,323 depending on experience or Paralegal Grade 3 - £32,585 per annum
Hours: Full time - 35 per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: Sunday 31st May 2026 at 11.30 pm
Join Shelter in our mission to drive systemic change and fight for Justice. If you are a dedicated legal professional with a strong commitment to addressing the housing crisis, we welcome you to apply for this role. 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 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 roles
Based with our partnering organisations, you will ensure you deliver high quality legal services through casework, the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Scheme and ensuring Legal Aid contract requirements and performance targets are met.
- Solicitor: You will challenge unfair housing practices and systemic causes of homelessness through strategic casework and litigation. Working closely with our Greater Manchester team and the Managing Solicitor to strengthen housing rights awareness across the region, you will support Legal Advisers, ensuring high professional standards and compliance.
- Paralegal: You will help our solicitors to maintain an active caseload, enabling our clients to enforce their housing rights. Your role will be varied and will include taking instructions and witness statements, drafting letters, making applications, providing court representation and making sure time recording and income targets are met. Please note this role is being advertised as a Paralegal but on appointment the job title will be Legal Adviser.
About You
For the Solicitor role, we are open to newly qualified candidates with a demonstrable interest in social justice, as well as those who have 3+ years PQE and a strong track record in housing law and Legal Aid work. You will have experience or a demonstrable interest in legal practice in the private or not for profit sector with experience of working on a wide range of housing cases, knowledge of legal aid, housing, homelessness and welfare law. You have the ability to research, write reports, time record and meet financial targets, as well as meeting or be willing to develop to meet the Housing Supervisor Requirements (September 2023).
For the Paralegal role you will need a good understanding of litigation work, be able to carry out legal research and provide a good standard of professional service and client care. You will have excellent communication skills, both in writing/drafting and face‑to‑face along with proficiency using case management systems and time recording, as well as the ability to manage your time and workload. If you have housing law experience and knowledge of Legal Aid/ CCMS this would be an advantage. You enjoy collaborating as part of a team, respond quickly and positively to change and are not afraid to challenge the status quo and introduce new ideas when appropriate.
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 our England hubs. We are currently based in London, Plymouth, Bristol, Norwich, Birmingham, Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Sheffield and Newcastle. We are enthusiastic, driven and champions for fighting housing injustice. Whilst generating an income, we also address the housing crisis. You will be part of an existing multi‑disciplinary team that offers housing and homelessness advice and support across Greater Manchester. It consists of a solicitor led legal team providing advice and representation, and an advice service providing advice, support and guided self‑help to people with housing, debt or welfare benefit issues. There is also a committed and skilled team of volunteers that offer peer support, mentoring and more general volunteering, adding significant value to our core service offer.
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.
Housing Solicitor or Paralegal in Rochdale employer: Shelter
Shelter is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises social justice and employee well-being. With a commitment to professional development, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities and a range of perks including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family-friendly policies, and access to unique financial support schemes. Located in Rochdale, linked to the vibrant Manchester Hub, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to transforming lives and advocating for housing rights, making your work both meaningful and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Solicitor or Paralegal in Rochdale
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who are already working in housing law. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to get your name out there and learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Shelter and its mission. Understand the housing crisis and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with friends or mentors. Get comfortable discussing your experience in housing law and Legal Aid work. The more you rehearse, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Shelter and fighting for housing justice.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Solicitor or Paralegal in Rochdale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Housing Solicitor or Paralegal role. Highlight your relevant experience in housing law and your commitment to social justice. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for fighting housing injustice shine through in your written application. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shelter
✨Know Your Housing Law
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housing law, especially the areas relevant to Shelter's mission. Be prepared to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation that impact housing rights. This shows your commitment and understanding of the field.
✨Show Your Passion for Social Justice
During the interview, express your dedication to fighting housing injustice. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive your interest in this area. Employers love to see candidates who are genuinely passionate about their work and the cause.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be presented with hypothetical scenarios related to housing cases. Practice how you would approach these situations, focusing on your problem-solving skills and legal reasoning. This will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and apply your knowledge effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the role, team dynamics, or Shelter's future initiatives. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
