At a Glance
- Tasks: Use your legal skills to fight housing injustice and support tenants in court.
- Company: Join Shelter, a leading charity dedicated to defending the right to a safe home.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and various employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while working in an inclusive and passionate team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 3+ years in housing law and strong advocacy skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to anti-racism.
The predicted salary is between 36700 - 47800 Β£ per year.
Location: Merseyside
Salary: Grade 6 - Β£42,697 per annum
Full time: 37.5 per week
Contract: Permanent
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.
Closing date: Thursday 24th July 2025 at 11.30 pm
Are you a Solicitor with experience of housing and homelessness law and Legal Aid? If so then consider a move to Shelter; you could soon be making a real difference to people affected by the housing emergency.
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
Qualified as a Solicitor with at least three years post qualifying experience, you will have a strong knowledge of housing law and substantial experience of managing a wide range of housing cases. You have strong skills in court advocacy, litigation, research, report writing, file reviews and are able to meet financial targets. You will be able to meet the 2018 SQM supervisor standard in housing and be able to demonstrate experience of working under a legal aid contract.
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. Itβs 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.
About The Team
In Merseyside we have been providing housing advice and support services for over 20 years. We have a Community Hub in Anfield where clients can drop in for advice and our team also works across Merseyside in community settings, providing housing advice and advocacy, legal representation as well as practical DIY for people who have previously been homeless. We also work to bring about systemic change by raising awareness of housing rights and supporting local people to campaign on housing issues.
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 - Merseyside employer: Shelter
Contact Detail:
Shelter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Solicitor - Merseyside
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific housing and homelessness laws relevant to Merseyside. Understanding local regulations and recent case law can give you an edge in interviews, showing your commitment and expertise in the field.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing law sector, especially those who work with Legal Aid. Attend local legal events or join relevant online forums to connect with others and gain insights that could be beneficial during your application process.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with systemic change and advocacy in housing law. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled housing injustices in the past, as this aligns closely with Shelter's mission.
β¨Tip Number 4
Research Shelterβs values and recent initiatives. Understanding their approach to combating social injustice will help you align your responses during interviews, demonstrating that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the organisation's culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor - Merseyside
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Solicitor position at Shelter. Familiarise yourself with housing and homelessness law, as well as the specific duties outlined in the job description.
Craft a Tailored CV: Your CV should highlight your relevant experience, particularly in housing law and legal aid. Emphasise your court advocacy skills and any experience managing housing cases. Make sure to align your qualifications with the job requirements.
Write a Strong Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, respond directly to the 'About You' points 1-7 from the job description. Use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide specific examples that demonstrate your skills and experiences.
Showcase Your Commitment to Diversity: Shelter values diversity and inclusivity. In your application, reflect on how you prioritise these values in your work and interactions. Share examples of how you've contributed to an inclusive environment in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shelter
β¨Know Your Housing Law
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housing and homelessness law. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled and how your expertise can help tackle housing injustices.
β¨Demonstrate Your Advocacy Skills
Since strong court advocacy is crucial for this role, think of examples where you've successfully represented clients in court. Highlight your litigation experience and any challenges you've overcome.
β¨Showcase Your Teamwork
This position involves working with a team and supporting Trainee Solicitors. Prepare to share experiences where you've collaborated effectively with others, especially in a legal context.
β¨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
Shelter values inclusivity and diversity. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to creating an inclusive environment in your previous roles and how you plan to continue this at Shelter.