At a Glance
- Tasks: Use your legal expertise to tackle housing injustice and support those at risk of losing their homes.
- Company: Join Shelter, a passionate team fighting for the right to a safe home.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, enhanced family policies, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to systemic change and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community and help transform lives through legal advocacy.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with a passion for social justice and housing law.
The predicted salary is between 44323 - 44323 £ per year.
Location: Sheffield
Depending on the needs of the service, there is potential for limited flexible/hybrid working within this role. Arrangements will be discussed with the successful candidate.
Salary: Grade 5 - 38,724 or Grade 6 - 44,323 per annum depending on experience
Full time: 35 per week
Contract: Fixed term until 31st March 2027
Closing date: Wednesday 2nd September 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 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 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
Using your legal expertise, you will play a key role in tackling housing injustice and unfair housing practices. You will be working under our Legal Aid contract, delivering legal advice and representing tenants at court where needed. Delivering systemic change through legal challenge to prevent homelessness will also be a considerable part of the role. You will also work with the team in the Hub to help make sure people in the community are aware of their housing rights and how to enforce them, as well as providing support to Trainee Solicitors and Legal Advisers, ensuring good practice and compliance.
About You
In this role, you will:
- Be a qualified Solicitor - 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.
- Deliver high-quality legal advice and representation under our work as part of the Housing Loss Prevention Service, which provides free legal advice and court representation to anyone at risk of losing their home.
- Challenge unfair housing practices and systemic causes of homelessness through strategic casework and litigation.
- Work closely with our Sheffield team to strengthen housing rights awareness across the area.
- 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 Shelter
Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet every day 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.
About The Team
Our Legal Service provides specialist legal knowledge across Shelter through four teams covering Community Legal advice, Strategic Litigation, and Legal Support Team. You will be part of our Community Legal Team, who are based across our 11 hub locations and work alongside hub colleagues every day to fight housing injustice and deliver systemic change relating to housing practice in our local communities.
Shelter Sheffield has a housing legal contract as well as a contract to deliver the County Court Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service at Sheffield and Doncaster. You will be based in the Sheffield community hub which has the overall aim of preventing homelessness and improving homelessness services for the people of South Yorkshire. The advice and support team in Sheffield has been established for over 20 years, taking a holistic approach and focuses on emergency homelessness, support for children, families and people experiencing domestic abuse, as well as those with multiple and complex needs.
How to Apply
Please submit your work history and a supporting statement with responses to the first 5 'About You' points outlined in the job description of no more than 1500 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 - Sheffield, England employer: Shelter
SHELTER is an exceptional employer that prioritises a positive workplace culture and employee well-being, making it an ideal place for HR professionals to thrive. With a focus on meaningful change initiatives and strong support from senior leadership, employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills in a collaborative environment. The competitive salary and generous benefits further enhance the appeal of joining this dedicated team in the United Kingdom.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor - Sheffield, England
✨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 Shelter, 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 - Sheffield, England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Shelter, 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 Shelter and the specific role of Solicitor - Sheffield, England. 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 Shelter’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shelter
✨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 Shelter.
✨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 Shelter.
