Job Title: Lawyer (Housing) -
Location: 160 Tooley Street, London SE1
Rate: £32 per hour
Contract Type: Temporary Agency Assignment
Duration: 09 June 2025 - 01 September 2025
Hours: 36 hours per week (Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00)
IR35 Status: Undetermined
About the Role:
Southwark Council is seeking an experienced Housing Lawyer to join its Legal Services team to provide critical cover during a period of unplanned staff absence. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in supporting the council's Housing Services through high-quality legal advice and litigation support.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage a personal caseload of complex housing matters with minimal supervision.
Provide legal advice on housing management under the Housing Act 1985, Housing Act 1996, and other relevant legislation.
Conduct possession proceedings (excluding rent arrears), unauthorised occupancy, succession disputes, homelessness litigation, and housing allocations.
Advise on legal risk and ensure accurate time recording and documentation.
Represent the council in court and liaise with internal departments and external parties.
Use electronic case management systems to maintain and progress legal cases.
Essential Requirements:
Qualified solicitor, barrister, or FILEX with extensive experience in public sector housing law.
Demonstrated ability to handle litigation and advisory work for local authority tenancies.
Strong knowledge of housing legislation, litigation procedure, and local authority housing functions.
Proficient in legal research and IT systems, including electronic legal case management tools.
Previous experience working within a local authority legal team.
Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal.
Work Arrangement:
Must attend the office full-time for the first 2-3 weeks (induction period).
Thereafter, a minimum of 3 days per week in-office is required.
