R2R103515 - Lawyer - Housing Disrepair Litigation - Permanent

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend City Council are looking to appoint a full-time, permanent lawyer with substantial experience in housing disrepair litigation. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and committed legal professional with a proven track record in managing complex housing cases to join the Council's in-house legal service.

You will work under the supervision of the Principal and Senior Lawyers, taking ownership of a varied and demanding caseload. The role requires confident handling of housing litigation, with a particular focus on disrepair cases, dealing with cases from pre-litigation through to conclusion of litigation. This will include high-value and routine disrepair claims, possession proceedings, injunctions, closure orders and enforcement actions.

This is a pivotal position for someone who can work independently, deliver high-quality legal advice, and manage cases from start to finish. A strong understanding of the pre-action protocol for housing conditions claims and the litigation process is essential. The post includes a combination of routine administrative tasks, as well as the provision of clear written and verbal legal advice representing the Council in County and Magistrates court when required.You will also support colleagues and clients with practical, policy work, and legal guidance, including interpretation of relevant bylaws and statutory frameworks.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Southend residents while contributing to the Council's commitment to quality housing standards.

Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week and be available to attend Court when required.

To be successful in the position, it is essential that you are a fully qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.

It is essential that you have knowledge and proven experience of local authority housing disrepair and housing litigation.

Have experience and knowledge of undertaking advocacy at County Court and Magistrate Court. You are required to be able to keep pace with developments in the law, have good research skills, provide clear and concise legal advice and be familiar with equal opportunities, have good practice and with the council's requirements for diversity and to implement this in all aspects of working.

You must be able to develop processes and pick up cases with ease.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here

If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie 

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.