At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Shelter as a Housing Solicitor to drive systemic change and fight for justice.
- Company: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to ensuring safe homes for all.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, enhanced family policies, and interest-free travel loans.
- Other info: Collaborate with enthusiastic teams across England to address housing injustice.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in tackling the housing crisis and defending human rights.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with a passion for social justice and housing law.
The predicted salary is between 37739 - 43338 £ per year.
Location: Blackburn, covering our Lancashire service – This can be a hybrid role based on service demands.
Salary: Grade 5 - £37,739 or Grade 6 - £43,338 per annum depending on experience.
Hours: Full time - 35 per week.
Contract: Permanent.
Closing date: Monday 27th April 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
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 - 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 London team to strengthen housing rights awareness across London.
- 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. The Lancashire Hub has 25 staff and you will be a key member of the team defending the right to a safe home. Each of Shelter’s hubs has its own local priorities based on the issues our clients have. For Lancashire these are Homelessness and temporary accommodation, the private rented sector and social housing and people living in poverty.
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 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
✨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
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. 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.
