Overview
1 post available. Location: Rochdale – linked to Manchester Hub. This can be a hybrid role based on service demands. Contract: Permanent. Hours: Full time – 35 per week. Closing date: Sunday 31st May 2026 at 11.30 pm.
Salary and grade vary by role: Solicitor – Grade 5 (£38,724) or Grade 6 (£44,323) depending on experience; Paralegal Grade 3 (£32,585 per annum).
About the Roles
Based with our partnering organisations, you will ensure you deliver high quality legal services through casework, the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Scheme and ensuring Legal Aid contract requirements and performance targets are met.
Solicitor – You will challenge unfair housing practices and systemic causes of homelessness through strategic casework and litigation. You will work closely with the Greater Manchester team and the Managing Solicitor to strengthen housing rights awareness across the region, and you will support Legal Advisers, ensuring high professional standards and compliance.
Paralegal – You will help our solicitors maintain an active caseload, enabling clients to enforce their housing rights. Your role will include taking instructions and witness statements, drafting letters, making applications, providing court representation and ensuring time recording and income targets are met. Note: this role is advertised as a Paralegal but the appointment title will be Legal Adviser.
About You
Solicitor – Open to newly qualified candidates with an interest in social justice, or 3+ years PQE with a strong track record in housing law and Legal Aid work. Experience in private or not-for-profit sectors with housing, homelessness and welfare law is preferred. Ability to research, draft reports, time record and meet financial targets; willingness to develop to meet Housing Supervisor Requirements (September 2023).
Paralegal – Understanding of litigation, ability to conduct legal research and provide a high standard of professional service and client care. Excellent written and verbal communication, proficiency with case management systems and time recording, and ability to manage workload. Housing law experience and knowledge of Legal Aid/CCMS is advantageous. Collaborative, adaptable and able to contribute new ideas.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family-friendly policies, pension and interest-free travel loans. Employees have access to tenancy deposit loans, payroll giving, cycle-to-work scheme, and an employee assistance programme.
About The Team
Our legal teams (Managing Solicitors, Solicitors, Legal Advisors and Trainees) are based across England in hubs including London, Plymouth, Bristol, Norwich, Birmingham, Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Sheffield and Newcastle. We are a passionate team fighting housing injustice and addressing the housing crisis. You will be part of an existing multi-disciplinary team delivering housing and homelessness advice and support in Greater Manchester, including a solicitor-led legal team and an advice service. We also have volunteers providing peer support and mentoring.
About Shelter
Home is a human right. We defend the right to a safe home and strive for systemic change in housing justice. We are committed to inclusion, equity and transparency, and to combating racism. We welcome your application to join our movement toward anti-racism.
How To Apply
Please submit your CV with a supporting statement addressing the "About You" points 1-7 as outlined in the job description, no more than 1000 words. Include specific examples following the STAR format and demonstrate how you address the required behaviours.
* We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset
Safeguarding Statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All staff are expected to observe professional standards and conduct in line with our safeguarding policies.
Recruitment Agencies
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept their fees.
#J-18808-Ljbffr