Lawyer LBS-011 (Project)
Temporary Contract
Job Details
Southwark Council
Service Area: Resources > Customer & Exchequer Services > Homeownership
Hours: 35 hours per week
Start Date: 28 April 2026
Duration: 3 Months
Working Arrangement:2 days in the office, 3 days remote (depending on caseload)
Location
Office Base:
160 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2QH
Pay
PAYE Rate:£38.43 per hour
Job Overview
Southwark Council is seeking an experienced Lawyer / Authorised Person to conduct litigation across a number of teams within Exchequer Services.
This role requires a qualified legal professional with strong experience in housing litigation, particularly in relation to service charge recovery, rent and possession, and housing benefit appeals. You will manage a varied caseload of complex litigation matters, provide legal advice and representation, and support officers across the service with case management and legal process compliance.
Important – Please Read Carefully
This role requires a qualified legal professional authorised to conduct litigation.
You must have direct experience in housing litigation and general litigation in a local authority or similar environment.
Candidates without the required legal qualification, litigation authority or relevant housing litigation experience are unlikely to be considered.
Key Responsibilities
*Conduct general litigation activity including issuing claims and reviewing court or tribunal applications and documents
*Provide legal advice, support and case management on matters affecting Exchequer Services income streams
*Manage cases relating to housing rent, variable service charges and housing benefit appeals
*Review and authorise legal documentation prepared by officers for court and tribunal proceedings
*Represent the organisation at court and tribunals where appropriate
*Make key legal decisions and identify reputational and financial risks
*Deal directly with officers involved in litigation proceedings
*Maintain good governance and ensure statutory, court and council deadlines are met
*Support the Litigation Team and Business Unit Managers with legal updates, policy interpretation and casework support
*Provide associated legal advice to staff in the normal course of the lawyer-client relationship
Essential Experience & Skills
*Must be either a Solicitor registered with the SRA, a Barrister registered with the BSB and authorised to conduct litigation, or a CILEX Lawyer authorised by CILEX to conduct litigation
*Experience of general litigation
*Experience in a local authority or similar public sector environment dealing with complex litigation matters
*Strong understanding of court rules, tribunal procedure and litigation practice
*Ability to manage a varied caseload with minimal supervision
*Good communication and interpersonal skills
*Ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams
*Good IT skills including Microsoft Word and case management systems
*Strong understanding of confidentiality, conflict of interest and professional advice standards
Desirable
*Experience of housing law casework
*Experience dealing with service charge recovery, rent possession matters and housing benefit appeals
*CILEX qualification
Additional Information
Interviews will take place online.
Job Reference:OR26916