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Social Housing Solicitor-Director - Salary £68K Per Annum - Leeds
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 recognized by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK as a top-tier law firm in all our key practice areas, known for our diligent and professional team that goes the extra mile for clients. As a paperless law firm with over 500 personnel embracing hybrid working, we serve both corporate and private clients across 25 legal areas in 60 languages. Our ethos is to give people a voice.
Choosing a career with Duncan Lewis means joining the largest provider of publicly funded (legal aid) legal services in the UK, with a growing private client practice. We have been Investors in People Gold Standard accredited for over 15 years and are nationally recognized for our work.
We have received numerous awards, including Law Firm of the Year at the 2024 Lexis Nexis Awards and 2023 Modern Law Awards, and are listed among the Times 200 Best Law Firms. In 2021, we were named an 'outstanding firm' for diversity and inclusion by the Chambers Europe Award. Other accolades include the Law Society Excellence Award, UK Legal Diversity Awards, and Family Law Awards. Duncan Lewis is accredited with Law Society Lexcel, Cyber Essentials Plus, and ISO 27001.
We are committed to recruiting talented professionals and value diversity and training. We encourage passionate candidates to apply online with their CV and cover letter.
Housing Department Background:
Our Housing team is renowned for its legal expertise and advocacy, recognized by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK for its social housing services across the UK. We assist landlords and tenants on issues like homelessness, disrepair, eviction, possession, neighborhood problems, debt, and more. Our solicitors are experienced in housing disputes, court representation at all levels, and judicial review matters at the High Court.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
* Report directly to and collaborate with the Board to meet performance targets
* Oversee all housing work, providing technical guidance to team members
* Have significant experience in representing clients under the Housing Court Duty Scheme over the last 2 years
* Manage and supervise Solicitors, Trainee Solicitors, and Caseworkers
* 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 legal aid funding applications
* Draft documents, witness statements, and process evidence
* Maintain a proactive, client-focused approach, with an interest in business development and marketing
Key Skills Required:
* 3+ years PQE with proven experience in housing and litigation, including court representation
* Experience as a 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
* Team player with fair approach, fostering positive change and cross-referrals
* Proven supervisory experience and ability to meet KPIs
* Proactive professional with excellent client care and sensitivity in vulnerable client matters
* Excellent networking, communication, and marketing skills
* Knowledge of publicly funded housing work and ability to handle private cases
* Extensive housing-related experience; advocacy skills are a plus
* Proficient IT skills, familiar with Microsoft Office and document management
* Legal sector experience preferred
* Ability to manage social media for company 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 verify eligibility and suitability.
Equal Opportunities:
Duncan Lewis is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. We aim to reflect the communities we serve and guarantee interviews for candidates disclosing a disability who meet the essential criteria. Please mention any disability in your cover letter.
Applications from agencies will not be accepted.
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