Job title
Solicitor - Housing, Property and Civil Litigation
Location
Bromley, South East London
Job type
· Consultancy basis initially
· Temporary-to-permanent opportunity
· Potential permanent role for the right candidate
Salary / remuneration
Competitive and based on market rates for Bromley, depending on experience, caseload capability and the agreed working arrangement.
Job overview
We are seeking an experienced Solicitor with a minimum of 5 years’ PQE to join our legal team in Bromley. The successful candidate must have strong litigation experience and a solid background in housing law, legal aid, property matters and civil litigation.
This is a hands-on role requiring a solicitor who can work independently, manage their own caseload, supervise three paralegals and progress contentious matters confidently from initial instruction through to conclusion. The role is offered initially on a consultancy or temporary-to-permanent basis, with a view to becoming permanent for the right candidate.
Key responsibilities
· Manage a varied caseload involving housing, legal aid, property and civil litigation matters.
· Handle litigation matters independently, including pre-action correspondence, pleadings, evidence, settlement negotiations and court preparation.
· Advise clients clearly on legal rights, litigation risks, prospects of success, strategy and likely outcomes.
· Draft and review legal documents, letters before action, witness statements, statements of case, court applications and settlement documents.
· Manage court directions, limitation dates, procedural deadlines and case progression.
· Conduct advocacy where appropriate or liaise effectively with counsel.
· Supervise and manage three paralegals, including allocating tasks, reviewing work, providing guidance and ensuring file progression.
· Maintain accurate files and ensure compliance with professional, regulatory and legal aid requirements.
· Communicate professionally with clients, courts, opponents, counsel, experts and third parties.
· Support the growth and efficient running of the department.
Mandatory requirements
· Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales.
· Minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience.
· Strong and proven litigation experience.
· Housing law experience.
· Legal aid experience.
· Property law experience.
· Civil litigation experience.
· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
· Experience supervising or managing paralegals, legal assistants or junior staff.
· Excellent drafting, negotiation and client advisory skills.
· Strong understanding of civil procedure, court deadlines and litigation strategy.
· Good organisational skills and ability to manage a busy caseload.
Desirable experience
· Experience with possession proceedings, homelessness matters, disrepair claims, landlord and tenant disputes or related housing issues.
· Experience with CCMS, Legal Aid Agency compliance, legal aid billing or supervisor requirements.
· Advocacy experience in the County Court or tribunal.
· Law Society Housing Accreditation or relevant legal aid supervisor status.
· Experience handling both privately funded and publicly funded matters.
· Knowledge of Bromley, South East London or surrounding court/legal services market.
Person specification
· Confident, professional and able to make sound litigation decisions.
· Independent, self-motivated and reliable.
· Calm under pressure and able to manage urgent deadlines.
· Client-focused with strong communication skills.
· Organised, detail-oriented and proactive.
· Able to supervise junior staff while maintaining responsibility for own caseload.
· Commercially aware and practical in approach.
What we offer
· Competitive remuneration based on Bromley market rates.
· Consultancy or temp-to-permanent arrangement with potential for a permanent role.
· Varied and meaningful work across housing, legal aid, property and civil litigation.
· Responsibility for your own caseload and direct client contact.
· Opportunity to supervise and develop a team of three paralegals.
· Supportive working environment and opportunity to contribute to departmental growth.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and a short covering note confirming your PQE level, litigation experience, housing law experience, legal aid experience, property/civil litigation background and availability for consultancy or temp-to-permanent work.
Hillary Cooper Law is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Experience:
- Litigation: 5 years (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bromley BR1 3FE
