Solicitor - Litigation

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide expert legal advice and litigation services on housing management and landlord and tenant matters, supporting Southern Housing and its group partners in the effective management of legal risk and dispute resolution.

The postholder will manage a varied caseload of housing litigation matters, providing practical, commercially focused legal advice and representation. The role will involve conducting legal proceedings, drafting legal documentation, advising on complex and sensitive cases, and supporting operational teams in achieving successful outcomes in accordance with legislation, policy and best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of housing litigation and contentious landlord and tenant matters.
  
• Provide legal advice on housing management issues and tenancy enforcement matters.
  
• Conduct litigation relating to:
  • Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Injunctions
    
  • Possession Proceedings
    
  • Tenancy Fraud Claims
    
  • Access Injunctions
    
  • Housing Disrepair Claims
    
  • Environmental Protection Act Prosecutions
    
  • Court of Protection Applications
    
  • Debt Recovery Matters
    
• Draft legal documentation including:
  • Claim Forms
    
  • Defences
    
  • Witness Statements
    
  • Injunction Applications
    
  • Pleadings
    
  • Trial Bundles
    
  • Chronologies
    
• Provide advocacy where appropriate, excluding trials.
  
• Advise internal stakeholders on housing law and dispute resolution matters.
  
• Assess legal risks and provide practical solutions to support business objectives.
  
• Instruct and manage external solicitors, barristers and counsel where required.
  
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with operational teams and business partners.
  
• Deliver legal training and updates to colleagues on relevant changes in housing law and litigation.
  
• Support and mentor junior legal team members.
  
• Maintain accurate case records and manage deadlines effectively.
  
• Ensure all legal work is undertaken in accordance with professional standards and regulatory requirements.
  
• Handle sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.
  
• Contribute to continuous improvement within the legal team and wider organisation.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor with a valid and current Law Society Practising Certificate, or Barrister with a current Bar Council practising certificate and rights to conduct litigation.
  
• Significant experience in Housing Litigation and Landlord & Tenant Law.
  
• Experience managing a complex caseload independently.
  
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Housing Management Law
    
  • Landlord & Tenant Law
    
  • Possession Proceedings
    
  • Anti-Social Behaviour Legislation
    
  • Housing Disrepair Claims
    
  • Injunction Proceedings
    
  • Civil Litigation Procedures
    
• Excellent legal drafting and case management skills.
  
• Experience preparing court documents and legal pleadings.
  
• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
  
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet court and procedural deadlines.
  
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters appropriately.
  

Desirable

• Experience working within Social Housing or Housing Associations.
  
• Experience advising operational housing teams.
  
• Experience managing external counsel and legal providers.
  
• Experience delivering legal training and mentoring junior staff.
  
• Court of Protection experience.
  
• Environmental Protection Act prosecution experience.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Fleet House, 59–61 Clerkenwell Road, London, EC1M 5LA
  
• Hours Per Week: 35 Hours
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments