Social Housing Solicitor-Director - Salary £68K Per Annum - Brighton
Job Description:
Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd):
Regulated by the Solicitors 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 key practice areas, known for our diligence and professionalism. A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel, embracing hybrid working, we serve corporate clients and private individuals across more than 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 held the Investors in People Gold Standard for over 15 years and are nationally recognized for our work.
We have received numerous awards, including Law Firm of the Year (2024 Lexis Nexis Awards, 2023 Modern Law Awards), being named among the Times 200 Best Law Firms, and awards for diversity and inclusion. Duncan Lewis holds Law Society Lexcel, Cyber Essentials Plus, and ISO 27001 accreditations.
We are committed to recruiting talented professionals and value diversity and training. We welcome applications from exceptional candidates passionate about our legal areas.
Housing Department Background:
Our Housing team is renowned for its legal expertise and advocacy, ranked and recommended by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK. We handle a wide range of housing issues, including homelessness, disrepair, eviction, possession, property disputes, and neighborhood problems, for both publicly funded and private clients. Our solicitors are experienced in housing disputes and judicial reviews at all court levels, including the High Court.
Main Responsibilities of the Role:
1. Report directly to and collaborate with the Board to meet performance targets.
2. Provide technical expertise and guidance in all aspects of Housing work.
3. Have significant experience representing clients under the Housing Court Duty Scheme over the past 2 years.
4. Manage and supervise Solicitors, Trainee Solicitors, and Caseworkers.
5. Assist with training and development within the department.
6. Handle a variety of housing cases, including homelessness, disrepair, eviction, possession, property disputes, and neighborhood issues, with advocacy responsibilities.
7. Manage emergency cases and strategic litigation.
8. Prepare and manage funding applications to the Legal Aid Agency.
9. Draft documents such as witness statements and process evidence.
10. Maintain a proactive approach, delivering excellent client care, and contribute to business development and marketing efforts.
Key Skills Required:
1. 3+ years PQE in Housing and Litigation, including court representation.
2. Experience as Duty Advisor under the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme in the last 2 years.
3. Willingness to work towards the 2013 SQM Supervisor standard in Housing.
4. Experience in welfare rights and community care issues.
5. Valid Practicing Certificate.
6. Strong management and supervisory skills.
7. Team player with excellent client care, networking, and marketing skills.
8. Knowledge of publicly funded housing work and ability to handle private cases.
9. Advocacy experience is advantageous.
10. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and document management.
11. Legal sector experience preferred.
12. Ability to manage social media to promote the firm.
What We Offer:
* A supportive team environment
* Excellent career 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 promotes diversity and ensures our staff reflect the communities we serve. We guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the essential criteria. Please specify in your cover letter if applicable.
Note: Applications submitted by agencies will not be accepted.
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