Junior Housing Solicitor

Connect2Luton are excited to recruit a Junior Housing Solicitor on behalf of Luton Borough Council.

Main purpose of position:

To assist the Senior Housing Solicitor with Housing law cases.

To assist in the provision of legal service to the Council, its Executive, its Committees and Sub-Committees and to Departments (including Senior officers and elected members)

To undertake civil and criminal litigation on behalf of the Council and to advise Client Departments on litigation related issues which takes into account Council's business needs and objectives under the supervision of the Senior Housing Solicitor.

As a Junior Housing Solicitor,you will be responsible to:

·Assist with housing matters within the Litigation Dept. Ensuring effective case management, preparation of cases, and attending hearings under the direction and supervision of the Senior Solicitor Housing.

·Dealing with all stages of (social) housing legal cases and the issuing and defending of claims for rent arrears, anti-social behaviour injunctions, disrepair claims, possession proceedings, as well as some prosecutions relating to the council's stock of social housing. Deputise for the Senior Solicitor Housing as required.

·Appearing an advocate in the County Court and Magistrates' Court on behalf of the Council in relation to Housing cases.

·Undertake County Court litigation in relation to the seeking of possession of houses let to Council tenants on the grounds of breaches of tenancy agreement or other grounds, in order to meet the needs of the Client Department and assist with the management of the Council's housing stock under instruction from the Client Department and Senior Housing Solicitor.

·Undertake County Court litigation relating to the seeking of possession of houses let to Council tenants on the grounds of rent arrears, in order to meet the needs of the Client Department and to minimise rent arrears owing to the Council.

·Prepare and apply for Injunctions to prevent anti-social behaviour by Council tenants and others in appropriate cases under the supervision of the Senior Solicitor, in order to meet the needs of the Client Department.

·Undertake some criminal litigation on behalf of the Council.

·Give advice to Client Departments in connection with the post holder's work generally and in relation to related matters in particular, in order to provide the Client Department with sound legal advice.

·Give Legal advice to Senior Officers and Elected Members of the Council on matters of law.

·Participate in projects relating to corporate, interdivisional or interdepartmental work as may be required by the Senior Solicitor Housing or Principal Solicitor (Litigation) or Head of Legal Services to enable the Council to formulate and implement policies in accordance with the law under the direction of the Senior Solicitor.

Skills and Experience:

• Experience of civil and/or criminal litigation in the County Court and/or Magistrates' Court, including appearing in those courts
• Experience of effectively managing resources to achieve value for money and provide a high quality service
• Experience of presenting Public Sector housing law cases
• A clear and systematic approach to problem solving
• Ability to communicate at all levels clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to represent the Council at meetings of the Executive/Committees
• Able to demonstrate ability to plan, organise and prioritise own caseload within broad guidelines
• Working knowledge and understanding of the legislation and procedures relating to Housing Law , Civil Procedure Rules, Local Government Law and GDPR
• Understanding of the Council's Constitution and how it impacts on the role
• Applicants must be Admitted Solicitors, Barristers or Fellows of CILEX qualified in England and, in the case of solicitors, hold (or be able to obtain) a current practising certificate

About Us

Luton Borough Council have partnered with Kent County Council to create Connect2Luton, a recruitment managed service for all contingent temporary agency, contract, and interim roles at the Council.

Our heritage and being local government owned which means we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise within the public sector, with many of our employees having previously worked for the Council or have supplied previously into the Council, for several years.

We are an equal opportunities employment agency and business that positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Connect2Luton, part of Luton Borough Council & Kent Commercial Services LLP, is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business and positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.