Social Housing Solicitor-Director - Salary £68K Per Annum - Newcastle
Job Description:
Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd):
Regulated by the Solicitor's Regulation Authority, Duncan Lewis Solicitors was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in the City of London (Fenchurch Street EC3M), with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all of our key practice areas - "a diligent and professional team that is prepared to go the extra mile for its clients". A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, we service both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages. We give people a voice - that is our ethos.
Choosing a career with Duncan Lewis is choosing a law firm that is the largest provider of publicly funded (legal aid) legal services in the country and has a growing private client practice. We have been Investors in People Gold Standard accredited for over 15 years and are continuously applauded nationally for the work that we do.
Having demonstrated unparalleled legal expertise and a commitment to justice, we were awarded Law Firm of the Year at both the 2024 Lexis Nexis Awards and 2023 Modern Law Awards. We are named as one of the Times 200 Best Law Firms. In 2021 we were celebrated by the Chambers Europe Award as an 'outstanding firm' for diversity and inclusion. Our awards include the Law Society Excellence Award for Large Law Firm of the Year (2020), Access to Justice at the UK Legal Diversity Awards (2019), and the Family Law Firm of the Year (2015). Duncan Lewis is Law Society Lexcel, Cyber Essentials Plus, and ISO 27001 accredited.
We are committed to recruiting dedicated and talented professionals and welcome applications from exceptional candidates. At Duncan Lewis, we value training and diversity, and pride ourselves on our inclusive workforce. If you are passionate about our areas of law and eager to advance your career, please submit your CV and application online.
Housing Department Background:
Our Housing team is ranked and recommended by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK for its services in social housing across the UK, providing assistance to landlords and tenants on all housing issues. We handle both publicly funded (legal aid) and privately funded legal services in homelessness, disrepair, eviction, possession, neighborhood issues, debt, and related proceedings.
Our solicitors are experienced in resolving housing disputes efficiently. The department regularly represents clients at all court levels, including the High Court, and handles judicial review matters related to housing.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
Report directly to and collaborate with the Board to ensure performance targets are met.
Provide technical expertise and guidance on all aspects of Housing work to team members.
Represent clients as Housing Court Duty Scheme over the last 2 years.
Manage and supervise Solicitors, Trainee Solicitors, and Caseworkers, managing caseloads and complexities.
Assist with training and development within the department.
Handle a variety of housing cases, including homelessness, disrepair, eviction, possession, property disputes, succession, adaptations, social housing, neighborhood issues, and advocacy.
Manage emergency cases and strategic litigation.
Prepare and manage funding applications to the Legal Aid Agency.
Draft documents such as witness statements and process evidence.
Maintain a proactive approach, strong client care skills, and interest in business development and marketing.
Key Skills Required:
3+ years PQE with proven experience in Housing and Litigation, including court representation.
Experience as Duty Advisor under the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme in the last 2 years.
Meet or be willing to work towards the 2013 SQM Supervisor standard in Housing.
Experience in welfare rights and community care issues.
Valid Practicing Certificate at application time.
Strong management skills and team leadership.
Excellent client care, networking, and marketing skills.
Experience with publicly funded housing work and legal representation.
Advocacy experience is an advantage.
Excellent IT skills, familiar with Microsoft Office and document management systems.
Legal sector experience is preferable.
Ability to manage social media activity for promotion.
What we offer:
A supportive team environment.
Excellent progression opportunities.
Support for legal awards and recognition.
The recruitment process complies with GDPR and other laws. Background checks including CRB/DBS will determine eligibility and suitability.
Equal Opportunities:
Duncan Lewis embraces diversity and is committed to equal opportunities. We guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet essential criteria. Please mention this in your cover letter if applicable.
Applications from agencies will not be accepted.
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