Housing Litigation Lawyer

The Housing Litigation Lawyer will provide high-quality legal advice and representation to support the Councils housing services and wider objectives. The role involves managing a varied caseload of housing litigation matters providing clear and accurate legal guidance undertaking advocacy and ensuring the Council complies with relevant legislation procedures and professional standards. The postholder will work collaboratively with internal clients and external stakeholders to deliver effective customer-focused legal services.

• Manage a caseload of housing litigation matters including routine and complex legal cases with appropriate levels of independence.
  
• Provide clear consistent and accurate legal advice to Council officers on housing law litigation processes and related legal issues.
  
• Undertake advocacy on behalf of the Council in courts tribunals hearings and other legal forums where required.
  
• Draft legal documents reports statements correspondence and complex legal advice.
  
• Research analyse and interpret legislation case law and legal guidance relevant to housing litigation.
  
• Represent the Council at court hearings and advise officers on legal strategy procedure and outcomes.
  
• Support the preparation and presentation of evidence and legal arguments in housing-related proceedings.
  
• Maintain accurate case records and manage files in accordance with professional standards including relevant case management and quality requirements.
  
• Ensure all legal work is delivered within agreed timescales service standards and client care expectations.
  
• Work collaboratively with housing teams and other Council departments to provide practical outcome-focused legal solutions.
  
• Attend client meetings internal briefings committee meetings and external meetings as required.
  
• Deliver legal training seminars and briefings to officers Members and stakeholders where appropriate.
  
• Monitor developments in housing legislation legal practice and local government services advising on the impact of changes.
  
• Maintain professional knowledge and undertake continuous development to ensure effective legal practice.
  
• Support and supervise junior colleagues where required.
  
• Contribute to the continuous improvement and modernisation of the Legal Service.
  
• Ensure compliance with professional obligations including regulatory requirements confidentiality equality diversity and data protection standards.
  

• Qualified solicitor barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX).
  
• Experience managing a caseload of both routine and complex legal matters.
  
• Experience providing legal advice on the interpretation and application of law.
  
• Experience in housing litigation or a related area of local authority legal practice.
  
• Experience undertaking advocacy and representing clients in court or tribunal settings.
  
• Strong understanding of housing law litigation procedures and legal processes.
  
• Ability to research and present complex legal arguments.
  
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload and prioritise competing deadlines.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Strong client care negotiation and influencing skills.
  
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
  
• Experience using case management systems and maintaining accurate legal records.
  
• Ability to provide high-quality legal services in line with professional standards.
  
• Strong IT skills and ability to work with digital systems.
  
• Commitment to equality diversity confidentiality and professional integrity.
  

• Experience working within a local authority legal service.
  
• Experience dealing specifically with housing possession proceedings homelessness disrepair tenancy matters or related housing litigation.
  
• Experience attending committee meetings or advising elected Members.
  
• Experience delivering legal training or presentations.
  
• Knowledge of Lexcel standards and Solicitors Regulation Authority requirements.
  

• Hours: 37 hours per week.
  
• Location: Within the London Borough of Hackney with attendance at courts meetings and external locations as required.
  
• Pay: Bi-weekly payments.