Housing Lawyer

Thurrock Council

Job Location:

Grays - UK

Yearly Salary: £ 53460 - 61638

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

Job Title:Housing Lawyer
Salary:per annum
Grade:G
Contract Type:Fixed Term12 months
Working Hours:37 hours per week

About the Role

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.

As aHousing Lawyer you willbe responsible for:

The role supports the councils statutory duties protects its housing stock and helps manage litigation risk. Key responsibilities typically include:

Advising housing officers and senior managers on tenancy management homelessness duties allocations housing enforcement and antisocial 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 antisocial behaviour injunctions under the AntiSocial 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.
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.
Support junior members of the team including the Legal Apprentice in legal practice and procedure contributing towards their professional development.
Contribute to governance processes ensuring legal compliance and sound decision-making. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation case law and best practice. To carry out research and provide legal advice to Client Departments on all related legal transactions.
Engage with senior officers and Members to offer high-quality legal services with a focus on social justice. Collaborate closely with directorates to ensure efficient delivery of Council priorities. Become a trusted advisor advocate and problem solver as you contribute to Thurrocks vision of client focused and innovative service delivery.
To notify and advise on any instructions or events that would result in a breach by the Council or an individual of any legislation common law standing order or rule or propriety or would constitute a course of action amounting to maladministration.
To attend and participate in meetings with Officers of the Council and to provide legal advice when required.
To be willing and able to work in a flexible and agile way with regards to both hours and location of work including remote and home working as required subject to service needs and requirements. Two days minimum attendance in the office.

WhatWereLooking For

Werelooking for someone who has:

Skills and Abilities:

Excellent demonstrable knowledge of the ability to lead on complex and local government possession proceedings disrepair claims unlawful eviction cases and antisocial behaviour injunctions under the AntiSocial Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 and more.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills able to explain complex legal issues clearly and confidently. Ability to work collaboratively and build partnerships with experienced clients and colleagues. High emotional intelligence (EQ) with the ability to build positiveworking relationships and navigate sensitive issues professionally.
Excellent organisational skills able to manage a complex and varied workload with a flexible and innovative approach to work ensuring that deadlines and court directed deadlines are adhered to.
You will be an effective leader acting as an ambassador for legal services across the council sharing good practice and encouraging innovation amongst colleagues to include training/mentoring junior members of the team. Attend and advise in Committee Meetings.
Proactive and self-motivated with a growth mindset and a willingness to learn. Ability to work on own initiative and with minimal supervision to undertake research and be able to make accurate considered judgements and decisions.
Ability to assist on the implementation of best value quality initiatives and improvements to client care.
Ability to relate the Councils key policy objectives to the provision of the legal service.

Special Knowledge:

Qualified Solicitor/Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.
Advocacy skills.
Good general level of understanding of IT systems especially case management/time recording packages.
Excellent numeracy and literacy skills.
Understanding of Local Government structures and legal frameworks.
Understanding of Law Society practice management standards.

Experience:

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.

Other Requirements:

To behave in accordance with our values.
Commitment to the principles of agile working including the ability to work flexibly with regards to both hours of work and location of work including remote and home working as required with 2 days in the office.
Paralegal with experience in this field of work.

Equalities:

Understanding of and commitment to principles of equality and diversity and compliance with Thurrock Council policies

Essential qualifications:Qualified Solicitor/Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives
DBS Check:Standard check is required

Benefits of Working with Us

At Thurrock Council we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

Generous annual leave entitlement
Local Government Pension Scheme
Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
Ongoing training and professional development
Employeeassistanceprogramme and wellbeing support
Staff discounts and local offers
A supportive and inclusive working environment

Important Dates

Closing Date (Redeployment Only):7th May 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External):25th May 2026

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process please contact:

Godwin Mangse - Principal Lawyer Litigation Team

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

Required Experience:

DescriptionJob Title:Housing LawyerSalary:per annumGrade:GContract Type:Fixed Term12 monthsWorking Hours:37 hours per weekAbout the RoleThis 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 ...