Job Description
7-8 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (DMBC) is seeking an experienced Legal Housing Officer to join the Law & Governance Division within the Finance & Legal Directorate.
• Reporting to the Senior Solicitor (Community Safety), the postholder will provide legal support and advice to Housing Services in relation to tenancy enforcement, possession proceedings, anti-social behaviour and associated court actions.
• This is a temporary position running from 2 March 2026 to 30 October 2026, based in Dudley, offering a rate of £30.00 per hour (Pre-AWR). The role falls inside IR35 and expenses are not permitted.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Assisting solicitors with the day-to-day management of housing litigation cases.
• Managing cases involving notices to quit, introductory tenancy extensions and abatement notices.
• Providing legal advice to Housing Services on tenancy enforcement, anti-social behaviour and possession proceedings.
• Drafting legal documentation including notices, claim forms, particulars of claim, injunction applications, committal applications, closure orders and warrants.
• Preparing witness statements and affidavits through interviews with staff, partners and members of the public.
• Attending County Court, High Court and Magistrates/Youth Court hearings alongside Counsel.
• Preparing court bundles, trial indexes and supporting documentation.
• Reviewing referrals and evidence for legal action and advising Housing teams accordingly.
• Attending multi-agency meetings to provide legal guidance and clarify available enforcement options.
• Drafting and advising on policies and procedures relating to housing enforcement matters.
• Liaising with internal departments, external agencies and technical officers.
• Handling correspondence and telephone queries relating to individual cases.
• Supporting complainants and witnesses throughout the legal process.
• Deputising for the responsible solicitor where required.
Skills/Experience:
• Proven experience in housing law within a local authority or public sector setting.
• Strong knowledge of tenancy enforcement, possession proceedings and anti-social behaviour legislation.
• Experience drafting legal notices, court applications and enforcement documentation.
• Familiarity with County Court, High Court and Magistrates’ Court procedures.
• Ability to prepare court bundles and manage case files independently.
• Experience advising non-legal colleagues on complex housing law matters.
• Strong understanding of relevant housing legislation and enforcement powers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload and work on own initiative.
• Experience attending court hearings and supporting Counsel.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and equality legislation.
Additional Information:
• The closing date: 28/02/2026.
• Driving licence required (subject to DVLA check).
Requirements
• Proven experience in housing law within a local authority or public sector setting. • Strong knowledge of tenancy enforcement, possession proceedings and anti-social behaviour legislation. • Experience drafting legal notices, court applications and enforcement documentation. • Familiarity with County Court, High Court and Magistrates’ Court procedures. • Ability to prepare court bundles and manage case files independently. • Experience advising non-legal colleagues on complex housing law matters. • Strong understanding of relevant housing legislation and enforcement powers. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to manage a caseload and work on own initiative. • Experience attending court hearings and supporting Counsel. • Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and equality legislation.