Housing Solicitor - Southwark (Local Authority role)

1. An experienced Housing Solicitor is required to act as an authorised person, conducting litigation across a number of teams within Exchequer Services. The solicitor will have knowledge and experience in dealing with service charge recovery, rent and possession and housing benefit (Appeals) matters.
2. Must have experience in a local authority or similar of conducting difficult/complex general litigation across a range of litigation areas at all levels of courts and tribunals with an excellent understanding of court rules and practice. 

Main duties and responsibilities:

1. The main duties will include: General litigation conduct activity such as issuing claims and reviewing applications and documents made to court or Tribunal, providing advice, support, and case management (including managing own caseload) on all legal matters affecting Exchequer Services income streams (housing rent, variable service charges and Housing Benefit Appeals).
2. Review and authorisation of documentation completed by officers, to be presented before courts and tribunals where the postholder has a right of audience on all matters in relation to the work of the council.
3. Being responsible and accountable for cases authorised, advice, support, case management and legal representation in respect of housing rents, benefits, and leasehold and freehold litigation. 
4. Making key decisions which impact on the organisation in relation to legal positions, including highlighting and managing reputational and financial risks. 
5. Deal directly with all officers involved in litigation proceedings.
6. To maintain good governance in managing own caseload of complex and busy work, ensuring statutory, court and council timescales are met, under minimal supervision.
7. Representing the organisation at court and tribunals as appropriate. 
8. Supporting the Litigation Team and Business Unit Managers in ensuring that information and legislation is accurately reflected, monitored, reviewed and communicated in accordance with the organisation’s policies, procedures and plans etc.
9. Associated general advice given in the normal course of a lawyer to client relationship to staff.

If you have any questions about this role or wish to apply, please contact isobel@deekay.co.uk who will respond at the earliest convenience.