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- Tasks: Provide high-quality legal services in housing law and challenge unfair practices.
- Company: Join Shelter, a passionate team fighting for housing justice.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, family-friendly policies, and travel loans.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the housing crisis and defend the right to a safe home.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 3+ years in housing law and Legal Aid experience.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to systemic change and social justice.
The predicted salary is between 43338 - 60000 £ 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: Sunday 4th January 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 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
- 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 Devon and Cornwall.
- 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 employer: Shelter
Contact Detail:
Shelter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor - Dorset
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in housing law. They might have insider info on job openings or even refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to housing law and your experience. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers, showcasing your skills and how they align with Shelter's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for social justice during interviews. Talk about your commitment to fighting housing injustice and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Shelter's team. We want to see that fire in you!
✨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 mission to defend the right to a safe home.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor - Dorset
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 Legal Aid work, as well as any relevant achievements that showcase your commitment to fighting for justice.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use the STAR format to provide specific examples that demonstrate how you meet the 'About You' criteria. This is where you can really show us your passion for addressing the housing crisis.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love a team player! Make sure to mention any experiences where you've worked collaboratively with others, especially in legal settings. Highlight how you’ve supported colleagues or contributed to a positive team environment.
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, it shows you’re keen on joining our mission at Shelter to defend the right to a safe home.
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 shows your commitment and expertise, which is crucial for a role at Shelter.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Justice
During the interview, express your dedication to fighting for housing rights and social justice. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive your passion for this field. This will resonate with the team’s mission and demonstrate that you’re not just looking for a job, but a cause to champion.
✨Prepare STAR Examples
When answering questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Think of specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in legal advice, casework, and teamwork. This will help you articulate your experience clearly and effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions about the role and the team. Inquire about the challenges they face in housing law or how they measure success in their cases. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
