What will you be doing? In this role, you will:
1. Manage your own caseload of complex housing disrepair claims from pre-action through to litigation.
2. Provide expert legal advice and representation in relation to disrepair, ensuring strong compliance with legal obligations.
3. Work closely with surveyors, solicitors, external legal representatives, and internal teams to resolve cases efficiently.
4. Draft legal documents including pleadings, witness statements, and court submissions.
5. Represent FCHO in County and Magistrates Court hearings when required.
6. Monitor legislation and case law developments, and keep the business informed of legal risks or changes.
7. Mentor and support junior colleagues and contribute to service improvements within the Legal Services Team.
What do you need?
Essential:
* Law degree or CILEx Level 6 (or equivalent legal qualification).
* Strong experience in housing disrepair law and pre-action protocols.
* Previous experience in a similar legal role, ideally in an in-house or housing context.
* Excellent legal drafting and advocacy skills.
* Strong case management abilities, with good organisational and time management skills.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Confidence working independently and with external stakeholders.
* Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to work digitally.
* High level of discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive matters.
Desirable:
* Completion of Legal Practice Course (LPC) or equivalent.
* Experience defending disrepair claims on behalf of social housing providers.
* Knowledge of Microsoft Excel for case tracking and reporting.
* Familiarity with litigation strategy including drafting complex pleadings.
Who are we?
First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) owns and manages around 11,500 homes and is proud to hold the highest regulatory rating (G1/V1). We're committed to improving lives through safe, decent housing, excellent service delivery, and by providing a great place to work.
We're proud of our inclusive and values-driven culture.
Are you an experienced legal professional? Do you want to use your expertise to make a real difference and develop your legal career in a supportive, values-driven organization? FCHO has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Disrepair Paralegal to join our Legal Services Team. You'll play a key role in delivering robust legal support, managing complex housing disrepair claims, and helping ensure fair, effective, and cost-efficient resolution of property condition matters. This is a great opportunity for a skilled legal practitioner who thrives on responsibility and wants to contribute to strategic service improvement.
What's in it for you?
When you join FCHO, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture and a great rewards package, including:
* A salary of £37,650 per annum.
* 37-hour working week with flexible hybrid working options.
* 30 days holiday and all UK bank holidays plus one company shutdown day.
* Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
* Automatic enrolment into a healthcare cash plan and private health insurance.
* Access to our colleague benefit platform with discounts across hundreds of brands.
* 24/7 GP helpline (Doctorline) for you and your family.
* Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and sick pay.
* Discounted gym membership.
* Paid professional subscriptions where essential to your role.
* Long service awards.
* Supportive, flexible working arrangements and a focus on wellbeing.
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