Job Purpose
The Housing Litigation Lawyer will provide specialist legal advice and support to the Council’s Housing Legal team, managing a complex caseload of housing litigation matters and supporting effective risk management, compliance and service delivery.
The post holder will provide expert advice on a broad range of housing law matters, including disrepair claims, homelessness judicial reviews and possession proceedings. Working with minimal supervision, the role will ensure that legal matters are progressed effectively, statutory obligations are met and high-quality legal services are delivered to Housing Services and wider Council clients.
The role will also provide senior-level support and supervision within the Housing Legal team, helping to manage operational demand and maintain professional standards across a significant and complex caseload.
- Manage a complex caseload of housing litigation matters with minimal supervision, ensuring cases are progressed efficiently and in accordance with legal and professional standards.
- Provide specialist legal advice to Housing Services and Council clients on a range of housing law matters, including disrepair claims, homelessness judicial reviews and possession proceedings.
- Supervise and support the progression of housing legal matters, ensuring effective case management, risk management and compliance with statutory duties.
- Represent the Council in courts, tribunals and hearings through advocacy where required.
- Draft complex legal documents, reports, pleadings, correspondence and other legal documentation.
- Provide clear, accurate and practical legal advice on the interpretation and application of housing legislation and relevant case law.
- Ensure all legal work is managed in accordance with service practice management standards, professional obligations and client requirements.
- Maintain accurate case records using legal case management systems and ensure files are managed in line with required standards.
- Work collaboratively with Housing Services, colleagues within Legal & Governance Services and external stakeholders to deliver effective legal outcomes.
- Support the development and supervision of colleagues within the Housing Legal team where required.
- Keep up to date with developments in housing law, litigation practice and local authority legal requirements.
- Identify and advise on legal risks, compliance issues and matters requiring escalation to senior colleagues.
- Contribute to team meetings, service improvements and the delivery of a high-quality client-focused legal service.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role and level of responsibility.
- Qualified solicitor, barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), qualified to practise in England and Wales.
- Significant experience in housing law, preferably within a local authority or public sector environment.
- Extensive experience managing a complex housing litigation caseload.
- Proven experience handling housing matters including:
- Disrepair claims
- Homelessness judicial reviews
- Possession proceedings
- Experience providing clear, consistent and accurate legal advice to clients on complex legal issues.
- Experience undertaking advocacy in courts, tribunals or other formal proceedings.
- Experience drafting complex legal documentation and presenting legal arguments.
- Experience managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality legal services under pressure.
- Experience working collaboratively with clients, colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Experience supervising or supporting junior legal colleagues is desirable.
- Strong technical knowledge of housing law and litigation procedures.
- Ability to manage a demanding caseload independently while maintaining high professional standards.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess legal risks and provide practical solutions.
- Strong advocacy, negotiation and communication skills.
- Ability to explain complex legal matters clearly to non-legal audiences.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate case management.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a legal team and support colleagues.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and respond effectively to urgent legal matters.
- Commitment to confidentiality, client care and professional conduct requirements.
- IT literate with experience using legal case management systems.
- Location: Within the London Borough of Hackney (hybrid working arrangement, with attendance at Council offices and hearings as required)
- Hours per week: Full-time (standard council working hours)
- Bi-Weekly Payments: Salary paid on a bi-weekly basis
