Senior Lawyer - Housing & Disrepair

The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Lawyer - Housing & Disrepair to join our Legal Services team. This is a key role in one of the Council's major work areas, managing complex litigation including disrepair claims, possession proceedings, landlord and tenant disputes, and general housing advice.

You will deputise for the Principal Lawyer when required, manage a small team, and undertake your own complex caseload. You will provide strategic legal advice to Members, Senior Officers, and committees, ensuring high standards of client care, performance, and service improvement.

• Manage and coordinate the work of a small team of paralegals and legal assistants.

• Handle a personal caseload of complex housing litigation and advisory matters.

• Deputise for the Principal Lawyer and support in service delivery and team leadership.

• Provide legal advice and representation at committees, court hearings, tribunals, and inquiries.

• Support and contribute to the Council's strategic objectives, service innovation, and corporate priorities.

• Introduce new procedures in response to legislative changes and best practice.

• Promote and market Legal Services internally and externally.

• Undertake training and development of staff and clients, and deliver performance appraisals.

You will be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with substantial post-qualification experience in housing litigation within a local authority or similar environment. You will have a strong background in housing disrepair and possession work, an advanced understanding of local government issues, and significant advocacy experience.

You will also have:

• Proven leadership and team management skills.

• Strong drafting, analytical, and advisory skills.

• The ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.

• A commitment to equality, diversity, customer care, and service excellence.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to influence and advise at all levels.