Lawyer – Housing

Civic Recruitment Limited; London Borough of Lambeth; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is recruiting a qualified housing solicitor for a 3-month contract with a local authority. The role focuses on housing-related legal advice, litigation and advocacy to support the Council's Legal Services team.

You will manage a caseload, represent the Council in courts and tribunals, draft pleadings and reports, and contribute to corporate projects while upholding professional standards.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive with PQE.
• Experience in housing and local government law.
• Strong drafting, research and advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of housing law matters with minimal supervision.
• Provide legal advice to Council departments on housing and local government law.
• Represent the Council in courts, tribunals and inquiries.
• Prepare pleadings, witness statements and court documentation.
• Advise Committees and elected Members on housing matters.
• Ensure work meets professional and service standards.
• Use case management and IT systems effectively.

Skills

Housing Litigation

Judicial Reviews

Advocacy

Possession Proceedings

Housing Advice

Legal Drafting

Legal Research

Negotiation

Verbal and written communication

Local government knowledge

Supervising trainees

Committee advisory

Corporate projects

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive

Tools

Case management systems

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Lambeth, United Kingdom | Posted on 09/11/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

3 Month Contract With A local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality housing-related legal advice, litigation and advocacy services to the Council, supporting the Principal Housing Lawyer and Legal Services team in delivering effective, professional and cost-efficient legal support.

The postholder will manage a varied housing law caseload, provide specialist legal advice to Council departments, represent the Council in courts and tribunals, and ensure legal services are delivered in accordance with professional standards and Council objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of housing law matters with minimal supervision.
• Provide legal advice and guidance on housing and local government law.
• Conduct litigation and advocacy on behalf of the Council in:
  • County Courts
  • High Court
  • Tribunals
  • Inquiries
• Prepare pleadings, witness statements, legal submissions and court documentation.
• Represent the Council at hearings, tribunals and legal proceedings.
• Advise Committees, Sub-Committees and Working Groups on housing law matters.
• Draft reports and provide legal comments on reports submitted to Members and Committees.
• Research, interpret and apply legislation, case law and legal developments.
• Advice client departments on changes in housing legislation and legal practice.
• Maintain effective relationships with Council clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure all work complies with professional, legal and service standards.
• Use case management and IT systems effectively.
• Meet performance and case management targets set by Legal Services.
• Assist with recruitment and supervision activities when required.
• Support corporate projects and service improvement initiatives.
• Promote equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice in all aspects of work.
• Undertake other legal duties as required to support service delivery.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive.
• Minimum 2 years' post-qualification experience.
• Significant experience in contentious housing law.
• Experience undertaking:
  • Housing Litigation
  • Judicial Reviews
  • Advocacy
  • Possession Proceedings
  • Housing Advice
• Thorough and up-to-date knowledge of housing and local government law.
• Experience providing legal advice to clients and Council services.
• Strong advocacy and court representation skills.
• Excellent drafting, report writing and legal research skills.
• Experience using case management systems.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of local government operations and governance.
• Experience working within a Local Authority legal team.
• Experience supervising trainees or junior legal staff.
• Experience advising committees and elected Members.
• Experience contributing to corporate projects and service developments.