Housing Disrepair Fee Earner

Canford Law; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Annual bonus scheme

Clear progression opportunities

Smart/casual dress code

Team events

Job summary

Canford Law are seeking an experienced Housing Disrepair Fee Earner / Solicitor to join our HDR team. This is a full-time, hybrid role allowing you to manage a full caseload from start to finish while contributing to the growth of the housing disrepair practice.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in housing disrepair, strong drafting and advocacy skills, and the ability to work with clients, experts, and third parties to secure the best outcomes.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or experienced fee earner in housing disrepair with a proven track record.
• Strong knowledge of housing law and the disrepair claims process, incl. Pre-Action Protocol.
• Ability to independently manage a caseload with minimal supervision.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Strong client care skills and professional approach.

Responsibilities

• Manage full caseload of housing disrepair claims from instruction to settlement or trial.
• Conduct initial case assessments and advise clients on merits and funding options.
• Draft and review letters of claim, pleadings, witness statements, and settlement agreements.
• Ensure compliance with Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims.
• Liaise with clients, experts, landlords, housing associations, and third parties to progress claims.
• Instruct and manage surveyors and other experts, reviewing reports and advising clients accordingly.
• Negotiate settlements and represent clients' interests to achieve the best outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records on the case management system.
• Supervise and support paralegals and junior team members where required.
• Contribute to business development, including maintaining relationships with introducers and generating new work.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal procedures, and quality standards.
• Work towards and achieve individual and team performance targets.

Skills

Caseload management

Drafting

Negotiation

Advocacy

Client care

Time management

Attention to detail

Commercial awareness

Legal case management systems

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Legal Executive (CILEX)

Tools

Legal case management software

Job description

Fee Earner / Solicitor - Housing Disrepair

Canford Law are seeking an experienced Housing Disrepair Fee Earner / Solicitor to join our expanding HDR team. This is a full-time, hybrid role offering the opportunity to manage your own caseload while contributing to the continued growth and success of our housing disrepair team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for handling a full caseload of housing disrepair matters from inception through to resolution, delivering high-quality legal services and ensuring the best outcomes for clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a full caseload of housing disrepair claims, handling matters from initial instruction through to settlement or trial.
• Conduct initial case assessments, advising clients on merits, funding options, and likely outcomes.
• Draft and review key legal documents, including letters of claim, pleadings, witness statements, and settlement agreements.
• Ensure compliance with the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims.
• Liaise with clients, experts, landlords, housing associations, and third parties to progress claims efficiently.
• Instruct and manage surveyors and other experts, reviewing reports and advising clients accordingly.
• Negotiate settlements and represent clients' interests to achieve the best possible outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records on the case management system.
• Supervise and support paralegals and junior team members where required.
• Contribute to business development, including maintaining relationships with introducers and generating new work.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal procedures, and quality standards.
• Work towards and achieve individual and team performance targets.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Legal Executive (CILEX), or experienced Fee Earner with a proven track record in housing disrepair.
• Strong knowledge of housing law and the disrepair claims process, including the Pre-Action Protocol.
• Ability to independently manage a caseload with minimal supervision.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Strong client care skills with a professional and empathetic approach.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to work in a target-driven environment.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff is advantageous.
• Proficiency in using legal case management systems.
• Right to work in the UK.

Why Canford?

• A flexible, grown-up approach to work with hybrid working options.
• Incentives and annual bonus scheme to reward performance.
• Recognition for strong performance and clear progression opportunities.
• Smart/casual dress code and a supportive, collaborative team environment.
• Company events and opportunities to network and build relationships across the business.