We’re VIVID! – We offer a vibrant, friendly, inclusive culture that supports, develops, and attracts the best people!
We’re dedicated to ensuring that we provide high quality homes and consistent, reliable services that deliver the outcomes that truly matter to our customers.
We’re looking for a Solicitor specialising in Housing & Disrepair who can provide legal advice and support on housing management and landlord and tenant matters. You’ll be involved in recruiting a paralegal apprentice to support you in this role.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified solicitor or barrister who wants to make a real impact by reducing legal costs, improving customer outcomes, and upskilling teams.
Contractually based out of our Portsmouth office, this is a full-time permanent position, working 37 hours per week, with a minimum of 20% of this to be office-based to promote collaboration and team working. We're happy to consider reduced hours for the right candidate.
Want to know what we can offer you?
* 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays), with the opportunity to buy or sell annual leave
* A productivity-related bonus scheme to enhance your take-home
* A generous contributory pension of 6%. We’ll match employee contributions between 7% and 10%
* Life assurance paid at x 3 annual salary
* Private medical insurance
* Health care cash plan called Medicash
* Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave
* Access to counselling, legal and financial information
* Electric car scheme
* Huge variety of in-house & e-learning courses and a range of coaching and mentoring programmes
Here’s the facts about the role:
As an experienced legal professional, you’ll have solid experience in managing a case load of housing-related legal matters with a focus on disrepair cases. You’ll be adept at identifying and mitigating legal risks and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
You’ll provide expert legal advice and guidance on housing-related issues. And build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders including colleagues, customers and legal professionals.
Key responsibilities include:
Disrepair Claims
* Provide early legal advice to resolve issues before they escalate into formal claims.
* Triage cases to determine whether to reject, settle, or challenge.
* Promote greater use of the pre-action protocol for disrepair.
* Advise and support communication with lawyers, customers, and other parties.
Legal Frameworks
* Manage and promote the use of VIVID’s legal services framework.
* Work with Procurement to implement and optimise the Framework Agreement.
* Maximise value for money and secure additional benefits such as free training and advice.
Contracts & Housing Management
* Provide legal advice on contracts and disputes with landholders or managing agents.
* Support teams with drafting letters and resolving housing management issues.
Policies & Compliance
* Work with policy owners to ensure compliance with legislation and best practice.
* Keep abreast of changes in housing law and share insights with colleagues.
Training & Development
* Recruit and mentor a Paralegal Apprentice.
The successful candidate will be able to effectively communicate legal advice and information to various stakeholders. And be able to analyse complex legal issues and identify/implement solutions.
You’ll be an experienced Solicitor or Barrister with solid experience in housing law and property disrepair claims. Experience working in the housing sector would be preferable.
Please see attached JD for more information on the requirements and person specification.