Senior Housing Lawyer

Senior Housing Lawyer

Job Ref: Hackney 123393

Pay Rate: £212.32 per day PAYE

Hours per week: 37 Monday – Friday, normal working hours

This opening assignment is for 12 months

Location: Hackney E8 1DY

Requirements to apply

To apply, you must be a qualified solicitor, barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with substantial experience in local authority housing law. You need a proven track record handling complex housing matters such as disrepair, homelessness judicial reviews, and possession proceedings. Strong advocacy skills, the ability to manage a heavy caseload independently, and the capability to provide clear, accurate legal advice are essential. Experience supervising or supporting legal teams under pressure is also required.

Role overview

This is a key interim post providing senior-level legal supervision within Hackney\’s Housing Legal team. The service is under significant operational pressure and requires immediate specialist support to maintain compliance and manage risk. You will oversee a large and complex caseload, ensuring the Council meets its statutory obligations while supporting existing solicitors.

Key accountabilities

• Lead on the supervision and progression of approximately 188 active housing matters, ensuring risks are managed and cases move efficiently.
• Manage your own caseload of routine and non‑routine housing legal matters with minimal supervision.
• Provide expert legal advice across Housing Services, ensuring accuracy and consistency in interpretation of housing legislation.
• Undertake advocacy on behalf of the Council in courts and tribunals where required.
• Ensure compliance with professional standards, practice management requirements, and client expectations.

Key criteria

• Proven experience managing complex housing legal matters including disrepair, homelessness judicial reviews, and possession cases.
• Demonstrated background providing clear and accurate legal advice within a local authority context.
• Strong advocacy experience in courts and tribunals.
• Ability to supervise a high‑volume caseload while supporting qualified solicitors under pressure.
• Strong drafting skills for complex legal documentation and reports.
• Ability to work independently and manage demanding workloads effectively.
• Qualified solicitor or barrister (Supreme Court of England and Wales/English Bar) or Fellow of CILEX.

How to apply

Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application.

Submit your CV in Word format.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—early submission is recommended.