Advocacy jobs in United Kingdom

4 months contract with local authority

This role involves providing legal advice and support in routine housing management and landlord-tenant matters such as access injunctions, possession claims and defending disrepair proceedings. The position requires conducting litigation, preparing and drafting pleadings, briefing counsel or litigation lawyers and conducting in‑house advocacy to safeguard the interests of Southern Housing and its partners. The role also includes offering witness support, particularly in anti‑social behaviour cases, which may involve out‑of‑office hours and home visits. The position is crucial for ensuring effective legal service delivery and compliance within the organization.

• Provide legal advice and assistance in housing management and landlord‑tenant matters.
• Conduct litigation, prepare and draft pleadings and brief counsel or litigation lawyers.
• Offer in‑house advocacy to protect Southern Housing’s interests.
• Support witnesses, especially in anti‑social behaviour cases including out‑of‑office hours and home visits.
• Advise on other contentious matters handled by the litigation team.
• Assist in instructing external solicitors for cases beyond in‑house capabilities.
• Develop in‑house legal services to meet organisational needs.
• Ensure cost‑effective in‑house legal work and efficient communication with instructing officers.
• Comply with established processes and procedures for effective legal service delivery.
• Maintain data records and ensure timely data management.
• Stay updated with legal and regulatory frameworks and share knowledge to foster a compliance‑focused culture.
• Provide training on housing and landlord‑tenant law to develop skills across the Group.
• Liaise with clients, suppliers and staff at all levels to build effective relationships.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all activities.
• Provide cover for the Solicitor (Litigation) in their absence.

• Essential: Law degree or equivalent.
• Desirable: Experience in housing management litigation, particularly with housing associations or public sector bodies; experience in a legal environment.
• Proficient in: Microsoft Office suite and Outlook.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present information to high standard.
• Maintain confidentiality with sensitive data.
• Demonstrate confidence in abilities and take responsibility for actions.
• Seek feedback and learn from experiences.
• Maintain a positive and proactive attitude.
• Engage actively in all work aspects and consider the impact of actions on others.
• Admitted to the SRA or FCilex.
• Proven experience as a practising lawyer.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Sound knowledge of legal procedures and regulations.

Legal Drafting, Litigation, Proofreading, Organizational skills, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Case Management, Legal Research, Paralegal, Filing, Medical Records

Employment Type: Full Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1