Solicitor (Homelessness and Housing and Litigation)

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Greater London; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea seeks a Housing Litigation Solicitor to lead on homelessness and related housing matters. You will provide practical, legally robust advice on complex cases, ensuring decisions are lawful and outcomes fair for residents.

In this fast-paced role, you will handle duties under the Housing Act, manage a varied caseload, draft and defend proceedings, and work with Council officers to deliver effective housing solutions.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEx fellow entitled to practice in England and Wales.
• Strong knowledge of homelessness and housing law.
• Experience with homelessness appeals, allocations, and judicial review.
• Ability to translate complex legal issues into clear advice.
• Excellent drafting, advocacy and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise on duties under Parts 6 and 7 of the Housing Act 1996 and related policy issues.
• Manage a caseload including homelessness matters, appeals, allocations and judicial reviews.
• Draft and defend proceedings and prepare legal advice.
• Collaborate with officers across the Council to support lawful decision-making.
• Keep up with changes in housing and public law.

Skills

Homelessness law

Housing litigation

Advocacy

Drafting

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Qualified Solicitor/Barrister/CILEx Fellow

Job description

Job Description

Use your housing litigation expertise to make a real difference for residents facing some of the borough's most pressing challenges
As our Homelessness and Housing Litigation Solicitor, you'll provide clear, practical legal advice on complex and sensitive housing matters, with a particular focus on homelessness, allocations, appeals and judicial review. You'll help the Council make lawful, fair and robust decisions that stand up to scrutiny and support better outcomes for residents.

What You'll Be Doing

This is a hands-on, fast-paced role where homelessness will be a key focus. You'll advise on duties under Parts 6 and 7 of the Housing Act 1996, homelessness appeals, allocations, judicial reviews and related policy issues. You'll also support the wider housing and general litigation caseload, including tenancy management, possession, anti-social behaviour, injunctions, disrepair and other local government litigation matters.
You'll manage your own caseload, draft and defend proceedings, prepare advice and legal documents, and work closely with officers across the Council to find practical, legally sound solutions. Your work may include advising on housing policy and strategy, preparing judicial review responses, supporting decision-making and appearing as an advocate where appropriate.
You'll handle complex, high-profile and politically sensitive matters with confidence, making sure deadlines are met, procedures are followed and records are kept up to date. You'll also keep pace with changes in housing and public law, helping client departments understand what those changes mean in practice.
This is an opportunity to use your legal expertise where it really counts - supporting lawful decision-making, protecting vital services and helping the Council respond effectively to homelessness and housing pressures.

What You'll Bring

You must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEx entitled to practise in England and Wales. You'll bring strong knowledge of homelessness and housing law, including experience of homelessness appeals, allocations, judicial review and wider housing litigation.
You'll have the confidence to advise on sensitive and urgent matters, exercise sound judgement and work constructively with senior officers, Members and service colleagues. You'll be able to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical advice that supports robust decision-making.
Strong drafting, advocacy, negotiation and communication skills are essential. You'll be organised, resilient and able to manage a varied caseload independently, while working collaboratively as part of a supportive legal team.
We're looking for someone who combines attention to detail with a practical approach, balancing legal precision with an understanding of the Council's wider priorities.

Why join us

At RBKC, we're all in - investing in our people, our communities and our future.
You'll join a friendly, experienced bi-borough litigation team of 15 lawyers, where support, collaboration and professional growth go hand in hand. We'll give you the space and encouragement to build your expertise, with access to training, mentoring and opportunities to lead on major projects.
It's a busy environment with real challenges, but also real purpose. You'll be part of a team that values high standards, mutual respect and integrity - and your work will help the Council make fair, lawful and timely decisions on issues that have a direct impact on residents' lives.

About Us

Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough.
As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all.
This role is a clear example of what being 'all in' means. You'll bring your expertise and drive to work that matters - advising on complex homelessness and housing litigation issues, supporting good governance and helping the Council deliver better outcomes for everyone who calls our borough home.

We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
We are committed to fair, transparent, and consistent pay practices. New hires will start at the minimum of the advertised salary range.
Employees receive annual salary increases until they reach the top of the pay scale. In addition, employees will receive any agreed cost of living pay rises.