At a Glance
- Tasks: Support housing law, manage litigation, and advise on tenancy issues.
- Company: Join a vibrant council team dedicated to social justice.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing law while growing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 53460 - 61638 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity with growth in abundance at Thurrock; it is the perfect time to develop and progress in this vibrant and dynamic team. We are looking for someone with a passion for housing law and general civil litigation, a proactive mindset, and a desire to grow professionally in a supportive and experienced environment. We welcome applications from candidates at all stages of their legal career provided they demonstrate strong legal aptitude, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to public service.
Responsibilities
- Advising housing officers and senior managers on tenancy management, homelessness duties, allocations, housing enforcement, and anti‑social behaviour.
- Drafting and reviewing legal documents, including possession claims, injunction applications, witness statements, tenancy agreements, and policy documents.
- Managing a caseload of civil litigation such as possession proceedings, disrepair claims, unlawful eviction cases, and anti‑social behaviour injunctions under the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
- Representing the Council in court, including County Court possession lists, injunction hearings, and case management conferences.
- Providing legal support for enforcement action, including civil penalties, improvement notices, and prosecutions under housing and environmental health legislation.
- Engaging in Judicial Review proceedings.
- Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation such as the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Housing Act 1985, landlord and tenant law, and human rights obligations.
- Supporting junior members of the team, including the Legal Apprentice, in legal practice and procedure, contributing towards their professional development.
- Contributing to governance processes, ensuring legal compliance and sound decision‑making.
- Maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant legislation, case law, and best practice to conduct research and provide legal advice to Client Departments on all related legal transactions.
- Engaging with senior officers and Members to offer high‑quality legal services, with a focus on social justice.
- Collaborating closely with directorates to ensure efficient delivery of Council priorities.
- Becoming a trusted advisor, advocate and problem solver as you contribute to Thurrock’s vision of client‑focused and innovative service delivery.
- Notifying and advising on any instructions or events that could result in a breach of legislation, common law, standing orders, or rules, or that amount to maladministration.
- Attending and participating in meetings with Officers of the Council and providing legal advice when required.
- Working flexibly and agilely with regard to hours and location, including remote and home working when required, with a minimum of two days in the office.
What We're Looking For
- Excellent demonstrable knowledge of complex and local government possession proceedings, disrepair claims, unlawful eviction cases, and anti‑social behaviour injunctions under the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to explain complex legal issues clearly and confidently.
- High emotional intelligence (EQ), with the ability to build positive relationships and navigate sensitive issues professionally.
- Excellent organisational skills to manage a complex and varied workload with a flexible and innovative approach, ensuring deadlines and court‑directed deadlines are met.
- Effective leadership as an ambassador for legal services across the council, sharing good practice and encouraging innovation among colleagues, and mentoring junior members.
- Proactive, self‑motivated, with a growth mindset and willingness to learn.
- Ability to work on own initiative and with minimal supervision, undertaking research and making accurate, considered judgments and decisions.
- Ability to assist in the implementation of best‑value, quality initiatives and improvements to client care.
- Capability to relate the Council’s key policy objectives to the delivery of the legal service.
- (Essential) Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.
- Advocacy skills.
- Good general understanding of IT systems, especially case management and time‑recording packages.
- Excellent numeracy and literacy skills.
- Understanding of Local Government structures and legal frameworks.
- Understanding of Law Society practice management standards.
- Experience as a paralegal within a legal services team in a Local Authority or law firm.
- Experience of working towards achieving/monitoring quality initiatives.
- Experience in a performance‑management culture.
- Behaviour in accordance with our values.
- Commitment to agile working principles, allowing flexibility of hours and location, including remote and home working with two days in the office.
- Paralegal experience relevant to this field of work.
- Understanding and commitment to principles of equality and diversity.
- DBS Check: Standard check is required.
Benefits of Working with Us
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- Supportive and inclusive working environment
Important Dates
- Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 2nd April 2026
- Closing Date (Internal & External): 19th April 2026
- Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: Godwin Mangse – Principal Lawyer, Litigation Team.
Housing Lawyer employer: Thurrock Council
Thurrock Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment for Housing Lawyers passionate about public service. With generous annual leave, a supportive culture, and flexible working arrangements, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful community outcomes. The council prioritises employee wellbeing and development, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding legal career in housing law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in housing law. Attend local legal events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of housing law and recent case studies. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the council’s goals and demonstrate your passion for public service.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through mock interviews or role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your experience and approach to complex legal issues confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Housing Law:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for housing law shine through! We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about making a difference in this field.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We love seeing how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Housing Lawyer role, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that communicate your qualifications without unnecessary fluff. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace our digital approach.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Know Your Housing Law
Brush up on your knowledge of housing law, especially the key legislation mentioned in the job description like the Housing Act 1996 and the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as this will show your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, practice explaining complex legal concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to demonstrate this during the interview, so think of examples where you've successfully communicated legal issues to non-legal audiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactive Mindset
Think of instances where you've taken initiative in your previous roles, whether it was managing a caseload or mentoring junior colleagues. Highlighting your proactive approach will resonate well with the council's desire for someone who is self-motivated and eager to grow.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate sensitive issues. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face as a Housing Lawyer and how you would address them, showcasing your emotional intelligence and legal expertise.
