Are you an experienced and committed lawyer specialising in housing law ready to manage a vital and dynamic caseload within local government? We are seeking a Housing Litigation Lawyer to join our Legal Services team, providing key legal advice and managing cases at the heart of the Council’s service delivery.
About The Role
You will manage a varied caseload of routine and non‑routine housing legal matters with minimum supervision, focusing specifically on the Council’s Housing, Homelessness, Disrepair and Tenancy Management functions. Your duties include providing clear, consistent and accurate legal advice to client services, researching and analysing relevant housing legislation and drafting complex reports and legal documentation. You will use our case management system, adhere to practice management standards, contribute to corporate and service strategies, and represent the council at court and tribunals. This hybrid role requires you to work from the office two days per week.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a demanding and diverse caseload of housing‑related legal matters, including tenancy, homelessness, disrepair, enforcement and other housing matters.
- Provide expert legal advice to internal stakeholders on the interpretation of housing law and its implications for Council policy and services.
- Draft complex reports and legal documentation/pleadings, ensuring legal robustness and accuracy.
- Undertake advocacy on behalf of the Council in courts and tribunals, where required.
- Research and analyse legal developments in housing law, assessing their impact on the Council.
- Deliver briefings or seminars to clients and colleagues on relevant housing legal matters.
- Use the case management system effectively, aiming to achieve the required chargeable hours target and comply with practice management standards.
- Represent the Council at external meetings and working groups as necessary to advise on legal issues, governance and procedure.
- Provide performance data required by the Service promptly and accurately.
- Ensure all work meets the standards required by any formal arrangement with clients.
- Support the Council in achieving its strategic aims and corporate objectives.
- Participate fully in team meetings, briefings and collaborative work with colleagues.
- Supervise junior staff when required.
- Work collaboratively with clients to ensure a customer‑focused and holistic approach to service delivery.
- Help modernise programmes and support the Council’s key priorities, demonstrating a sound grasp of the bigger picture.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade and character of the work as reasonably required by the Head of Service.
About You
- Qualified solicitor, barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with a current practising certificate.
- Proven experience managing a caseload of both routine and complex legal matters.
- Essential post‑qualification experience in housing law.
- Experience providing clear, accurate legal advice on legal interpretation.
- Experience using a case management system and working towards chargeable hours targets.
- Highly developed written and oral communication skills.
- Understanding of the workings of local government and issues affecting a multicultural inner‑city area.
- Collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Benefits
The London Borough of Hackney offers a dynamic and supportive environment where you’ll be part of a dedicated legal team working at the centre of local democracy. You’ll have access to flexible working, a generous leave package, a local government pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in the legal profession. The Council welcomes applications from disabled individuals and is committed to eliminating discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class.
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