Senior Housing Lawyer - Disrepair

Lambeth Council; Camden Town; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in South London is seeking a Senior Housing Lawyer to lead on disrepair litigation and related legal advice. The role requires substantial experience in court representation and a thorough knowledge of housing law. The successful candidate will manage claims under relevant legislation, providing high-quality legal advice, and supervise junior team members. This position offers hybrid working and numerous employee benefits, including generous leave and pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous annual leave starting from 27 days

Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid Working

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts at local restaurants

Learning and Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Thorough up-to-date knowledge of housing and local government law.
• Experience in court representation and instructing counsel.
• Good working knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules.
• Substantial experience in drafting legal documents and correspondence.

Responsibilities

• Lead on defending disrepair and related claims under legislation.
• Provide high-quality legal advice and representation to the Council.
• Draft legal documents and manage junior team members.

Skills

Knowledge of housing law

Court representation

Drafting legal documents

Instructing counsel

Good working knowledge of Civil Procedure Rules

Job description

Overview

Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, Lambeth is the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community. Lambeth offers an exciting, enriching and dynamic environment with exceptional schools, green spaces such as Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions such as St Thomas’s Hospital.

About the Team: This is a varied role. The successful candidates will be part of a busy team carrying a challenging caseload. The successful candidate will be highly organised, proactive, flexible, able to work under pressure and manage competing deadlines. They will maintain quality assurance and performance standards in the service provided by their team to the Council.

About the Role

There is one post available leading on disrepair litigation. The post will be responsible for a variety of contested litigation and related legal advice, ensuring that the Council receives cost-effective high-quality advice and representation.

Senior Housing Lawyer (Disrepair)

You will lead on defending claims brought under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Environmental Health Act 1990, Defective Premises Act 1972, together with contractual claims from tenants and leaseholders including breach applications. The post requires the successful candidate to have a thorough up-to-date knowledge of housing and local government law. You will be experienced in representation in court proceedings and instructing counsel and have a good working knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules. You will also have substantial experience in drafting legal documents and legal correspondence and giving specialist legal advice.

Responsibilities

• Lead on defending disrepair and related claims under relevant legislation, advising on strategy and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide high-quality legal advice and representation, including instructions to counsel.
• Draft legal documents and correspondence; support and supervise junior team members as required.
• Ensure compliance with Civil Procedure Rules and quality assurance standards.

Qualifications

• Thorough up-to-date knowledge of housing and local government law.
• Experience in court representation and instructing counsel.
• Good working knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules.
• Substantial experience in drafting legal documents and legal correspondence and providing specialist legal advice.

How to Apply

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification. If you’re interested, please click on the Enquire/Apply button to complete an online application. In your supporting statement, clearly demonstrate how you meet the shortlist criteria marked with an A at shortlist stage. We operate an anonymised application process, so remove personal details when uploading your CV or personal statement. Closing Date: 11:59 pm on Sunday 12 October 2025.

Benefits

• Participation in our 5 Staff Networks: Black, Asian, and Multi-Ethnic, LGBTQ+, Disability, Young Professionals, and Women's.
• Generous annual leave entitlement starting from 27 days, increasing to up to 35 days depending on length of service.
• Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Hybrid Working.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Occupational Sick Pay based on length of service.
• Discounts at local restaurants.
• Discount at our Active Lambeth Gyms.
• Learning and Development opportunities, including Apprenticeships.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Secure Bike Storage facilities at our Town Hall and Civic Centre.
• Trade Union Membership.