Social Housing Solicitor-Director - Salary £68K Per Annum - Luton
Job Description:
Company Overview:
Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd): Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, founded in 1998, headquartered in London with nationwide offices. Recognized by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK, we are a top-tier law firm committed to justice and diversity. We are a paperless, hybrid-working firm with over 500 staff, servicing both corporate and private clients across multiple legal areas and languages.
We are the largest provider of publicly funded legal services, holding numerous awards including Law Firm of the Year (2024 Lexis Nexis, 2023 Modern Law Awards) and a Times 200 Best Law Firms listing. Our commitments include high standards of training, diversity, and inclusivity.
Housing Department Background:
Our Housing team, ranked by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK, handles all housing issues, representing landlords and tenants in public and private sectors, including judicial review matters at the High Court.
Main Responsibilities:
1. Report to and collaborate with the Board to meet performance targets.
2. Provide technical expertise and guidance within the Housing team.
3. Represent clients in Housing Court Duty Scheme cases, with significant experience over the past 2 years.
4. Manage and supervise Solicitors, Trainee Solicitors, and Caseworkers.
5. Contribute to training and development initiatives.
6. Handle a variety of housing cases, including homelessness, disrepair, eviction, possession, property disputes, and social housing matters, including advocacy.
7. Manage emergency cases and strategic litigation.
8. Prepare and manage funding applications to the Legal Aid Agency.
9. Draft legal documents and process evidence.
10. Maintain a proactive, client-focused approach, with interests in business development and marketing.
Key Skills and Requirements:
* 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.
* Willingness to work towards the 2013 SQM Supervisor standard in Housing.
* Experience with welfare rights and community care issues.
* Valid Practicing Certificate.
* Strong management and supervisory skills.
* Excellent client care, networking, and communication skills.
* Knowledge of publicly funded housing work and ability to handle private cases.
* Advocacy experience is an advantage.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office and document management systems.
* Experience within the legal sector preferred.
* Ability to manage social media and promote the firm.
What We Offer:
* A supportive team environment.
* Excellent career progression opportunities.
* Support for legal awards and recognition.
Application Process & Equal Opportunities:
Our recruitment complies with GDPR and other laws. Background checks, including CRB/DBS, will determine eligibility. Duncan Lewis is committed to diversity and guarantees interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the essential criteria. Please mention this in your cover letter if applicable. Applications via agencies are not accepted.
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