Solicitor 4+ years PQE

Paradigm Housing Group; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual salary £70k

Holiday entitlement

Pension scheme

Health cash plan

Life cover

Flexible hybrid working

Free parking

EV charging

Job summary

Lifestone Homes, the region's leading housing group, seeks a Solicitor with 4+ years PQE to lead housing and property matters across our SettleParadigm portfolio. You will manage complex cases, advise senior leaders, and help drive governance and compliance in a growing, values-driven organisation.

The role is permanently based with hybrid working—two days in the office, three from home—and involves representing clients in court and tribunal hearings while supporting strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

• Admitted Solicitor of England and Wales with current practising certificate (or Barrister)
• Minimum of four years post-qualification experience
• Strong housing-law background in social housing environment
• Experience representing clients in court or tribunal hearings

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice on housing, property and related matters
• Manage a complex caseload including contentious and non-contentious work
• Draft and negotiate deeds of variation, easements, licences, and tenancy-related documentation
• Represent SettleParadigm at court, tribunal and other hearings
• Lead high-risk cases and manage external counsel
• Support governance, legal reporting and regulatory obligations
• Contribute to the Legal Risk Register and deliver training to operational teams

Skills

Civil Procedure Rules knowledge

Housing law experience

Drafting and negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Solicitor qualification (England & Wales)

Job description

Solicitor – 4+ years PQE
Salary: £70,000 + excellent benefits
Location: Wooburn Green, High Wycombe or Letchworth Garden City
Hybrid working: Minimum two days per week in the office and three days from home
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 per week

Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose?

At Lifestone Homes, we’re proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire.

Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger we’ve brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve

If you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we’d love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we’re building a better future.

We are now recruiting a Solicitor with a minimum of four years post‑qualification experience. This is a role for an experienced housing and property lawyer who can manage complex cases, influence decision‑making and act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders.

About the role

You will deliver expert legal services across the SettleParadigm Group, managing a complex caseload of housing litigation, property matters, commercial contracts and governance‑related work. You will represent SettleParadigm at court and tribunal hearings, lead high‑risk cases and support strategic decision‑making across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice on housing, property and related matters
• Manage a complex caseload including contentious and non‑contentious work
• Draft and negotiate deeds of variation, easements, licences, commercial contracts and tenancy‑related documentation
• Represent SettleParadigm at court, tribunal and other hearings
• Lead high‑risk cases and manage external counsel
• Support governance, legal reporting and compliance with regulatory obligations
• Contribute to the Legal Risk Register and deliver training to operational teams
• Support the Head of Legal and deputise when required
• Lead special projects and support continuous improvement

What we’re looking for

Essential experience

• Admitted Solicitor of England and Wales with a current practising certificate (or Barrister with equivalent experience)
• Minimum of four years post‑qualification experience
• Strong experience advising social housing clients or working within a housing‑focused legal environment
• Proven track record in both contentious and non‑contentious housing law
• Experience representing clients in court or tribunal hearings
• Strong knowledge of Civil Procedure Rules, housing management law and regulatory obligations
• Experience commissioning and managing external counsel
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to present legal risk clearly to senior non‑legal audiences
• Experience using case management systems
• Prior in‑house experience within a housing association or local authority

Desired experience

• Experience delivering training on legal risk and tenancy management
• Management of paralegals

Benefits

At Lifestone Homes, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.

• Annual salary: £70,000 per annum
• 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options
• Generous pension scheme– up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
• Family-friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Health cash plan– claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids’ cover)
• Life cover and income protection
• Flexible working– hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging

And that’s just the beginning! We’re also thrilled to provide:

• Mental Health First Aiders available to support
• Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)
• Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
• 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities
• Peer-recognition rewards platform
• Paid professional subscription (one per year)

Working Hours & Additional Pay

• 37 hours per week
• Monday - Thursday 09:00 - 17:30
  Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.

Accessibility and Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavor to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.

Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.

Closing Date: 07/10/2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.