Housing Lawyer - Minimum 60% of time spent in the office, Civic Centre, Gateshead.
Legal expertise that supports stronger communities.
Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi‑time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Making a real impact in homes, communities and everyday lives.
Our Legal team provides comprehensive advice and support across both contentious and non‑contentious matters, helping to ensure lawful, robust, and high‑quality decision‑making across the organisation. The team covers a broad portfolio of specialist areas, including Commercial and Regulatory Law, Litigation, and Property, Planning and Highways. The team plays a vital role in enabling effective service delivery and protecting Gateshead Council's interests. This is a dynamic, solutions‑focused team supporting colleagues at every level.
Legal leadership at the heart of community housing
This role plays a vital part in supporting Gateshead Council’s housing and community safety priorities. As a Housing Solicitor, you will provide expert legal advice, support and court advocacy across a wide range of housing and anti‑social behaviour matters, helping services manage neighbourhood issues, repairs, tenancy management and Environmental Health functions lawfully and effectively. You will deal with housing and ASB litigation, including disrepair claims, and represent the Council in court and tribunals. Working closely with client services, elected members and external partners, you’ll deliver clear, up‑to‑date legal guidance to ensure decisions are lawful, effective and in the best interests of local communities. This is a key role for someone who wants to use their legal expertise to make a direct difference to housing services, neighbourhood wellbeing and the quality of life of local people.
What you’ll get to do:
* Provide legal advice, support and advocacy to the Council services responsible for housing and anti-social behaviour, including repairs, neighbourhood relations, housing management, and Environmental Health.
* Be fully conversant with the legislation, regulations and procedure in respect of housing and anti-social behaviour and to be aware of changes to the same to ensure accurate and effective advice is provided.
* Be responsible for the preparation and effective management of Housing and ASB litigation, including housing disrepair claims against the Council.
* Represent the Council at court and other tribunals as required.
* Provide advice to committees of elected members.
* Liaise with internal and external professionals as required.
* Maintain close liaison with client services and the Service Manager on all issues.
* Respond cooperatively with reasonable requests to undertake other responsibilities allocated which are appropriate to the grade of the post.
What you’ll bring:
* Legally qualified as a solicitor or barrister with a current practising certificate, with the ability to provide confident, accurate advice across housing and anti‑social behaviour matters.
* Strong working knowledge or the ability to quickly develop expertise of core housing and enforcement legislation, including:
- Housing Acts 1985, 1988, 1996 and 2004
- Protection from Eviction Act 1977
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
- Environmental Protection Act 1990
- Anti‑Social Behaviour Act 2014
* Applied experience of legal practice and procedure, with the ability to manage cases from initial instruction through to resolution.
* Skilled in drafting, negotiation and advocacy, producing clear, accurate legal documents and representing the Council effectively.
* Excellent communication skills with ability to explain complex issues in a practical, accessible way to a range of audiences.
* Highly organised to manage your own caseload, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines in a fast‑moving environment.
What’s in it for you
* Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
* Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
* Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
* Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
* Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
* Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
* Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
* Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
* Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications. We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying. If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk. Alternatively, if you’d like an informal discussion about the role then please give Roddy Currie, our Service Manager, a call on 0191 433 2141.
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high‑volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application. Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.
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