Full job descriptionLawyer - Housing Litigation (Locum)
Location: Manchester
Contract: 12-month locum contract
Salary: Equivalent to approximately £49,000 - £54,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Hours: Full-time

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Lawyer to join Manchester City Council’s Legal Services team on a 12-month locum contract. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a solicitor, barrister or Chartered Legal Executive looking to develop their experience within a busy and supportive local authority environment.
Reporting to the Principal Lawyer, you will work as part of the Housing Litigation team, managing your own caseload with appropriate supervision and providing high-quality legal advice to Manchester and Salford City Councils and external housing clients.
This is an ideal opportunity for a legal professional with experience in housing law or civil litigation who is looking to build their expertise while working on a varied and meaningful caseload supporting the delivery of essential public services.
The Role
You will be responsible for assisting with and managing a caseload of social housing matters, including:
*Housing disrepair claims.
*Anti-social behaviour injunction applications.
*Possession proceedings.
*Estate management issues.
*Applications relating to anti-social behaviour matters.
*Providing legal advice to Council departments and social housing providers.
*Drafting legal documentation, including statements of case, correspondence and instructions to Counsel.
*Conducting advocacy in the County Court and Magistrates’ Court where required.
*Undertaking legal research and keeping up to date with developments in housing law and civil procedure.
*Maintaining accurate case files in line with Legal Services’ quality assurance standards and procedures.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues across Legal Services, providing practical and effective legal support while contributing to the efficient running of the wider team.
About You
We are looking for a motivated and capable legal professional who can demonstrate:
*Qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive Advocate with Civil Litigation Rights.
*Experience or a strong interest in housing law, civil litigation or local authority legal work.
*The ability to manage a caseload with supervision and prioritise competing deadlines.
*Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly.
*Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
*The ability to build effective working relationships with clients, colleagues and stakeholders.
*A proactive approach and willingness to develop professionally.
*The confidence to work independently while being a supportive member of a wider legal team.

Local authority or social housing experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
What’s on Offer?*12-month locum contract with Manchester City Council.
*Salary equivalent of approximately £49,000 per annum (rate negotiable).
*Opportunity to gain valuable local government housing litigation experience.
*Supportive team environment with guidance from experienced lawyers.
*Varied and interesting caseload.
*Opportunity for professional development and career progression.

If you are an enthusiastic Housing Lawyer looking for an opportunity to develop your skills within a respected public sector legal team, this could be the ideal next step in your career.
Apply today with your CV or contact us for a confidential discussion.