Job Description

Job Title:

Housing Litigation Solicitor

Contract Type:

Permanent

Salary:

52,429 (57,781 is achieved after 12 months successful performance in the role)

Working Hours:

35 hours per week, full time

Working Pattern:

Monday to Friday, Hybrid

Location:

Liverpool, Speke Estuary Boulevard

If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.

The difference you will make as a Housing Litigation Solicitor

You will ensure all casework is well managed and dealt with in an efficient and cost-effective manner, ensure all business regulatory, legislative and common law obligations are met. You will be an effective business partner to key internal stakeholders within the business who require support and advice in respect of their housing management operations and housing litigation.

About you

We are looking for someone who


Degree from a recognised UK university or equivalent (or qualification gained from a non-UK university). Professional legal qualification as recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or equivalent body. Minimum of 12 months' experience of working on housing disrepair cases either on the Claimant or Defendant side. Experience of successfully managing a large caseload, achieving excellent outcomes. Knowledge of the pre-action protocols and Civil Procedure Rules.

Why Riverside?

Riverside, we're a housing association with a difference - enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we've been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.


We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.


Working with us, you'll enjoy:


Competitive pay & generous pension 28 days holidays plus bank holidays Flexible working options available Investment in your learning, personal development and technology A wide range of benefits

Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside:

We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.


Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview.


This role also falls under our Ethnic Diversity guaranteed interview scheme. If you are Ethnically Diverse and demonstrate you meet the minimum criteria for the role you will be guaranteed an interview.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to be considered.

Role Profile

Legal Advice

Managing housing disrepair claims from instruction to resolution, including litigation. Drafting responses to claim letters, coordinating disclosure, advising on liability and drafting 6.3 response letters. Liaising with colleagues and third party Solicitors to facilitate the smooth progression of cases. Negotiating settlements where appropriate. Drafting defences and compliance with Court directions for litigated matters. Preparing and applying for access injunctions. Conducting hearings (at local Courts), save for Trials. Instructing Counsel and drafting Briefs. Complying with the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Disrepair Claims. Managing Environmental Protection Act claims. Supporting Asset Strategy & Delivery colleagues with their internal ADR process by assessing records and drafting liability and quantum reports. Advising on compensation requests and complaints relating to repairs.

Role in the team

Support the Housing Litigation Team with identifying and delivering training for the wider business to upskill colleagues and promote a knowledgeable workforce. Support the Housing Litigation Team with the improvement of systems and processes used within the Legal Team and the wider business to deliver a value-for-money service. Support the Housing Litigation Team with maintaining their case management system and any other databases used for auditing purposes. Support the Legal Team to ensure that risks to the business are appropriately managed. Ask the right questions at the right time, appropriately challenging the business where required. Work in partnership with other teams within the business and attend business partner meetings with the Housing Litigation Team's key internal stakeholders. Assist the Housing Litigation Team to maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across the business. Be an excellent ambassador for the team and support the business positively and constructively in achieving its corporate objectives. Adhere to the business' policies and procedures. Assist in applying robust reporting processes and help the Senior Housing Litigation Solicitor develop good quality management information to demonstrate the impact of the Legal Team.

Learning and development

Develop knowledge of new areas of law if required, in order to support the Housing Litigation Team in delivering high-quality legal advice. Work towards personal and team objectives and attend training opportunities

Essential

Degree from a recognised UK university or equivalent (or qualification gained from a non-UK university). Professional legal qualification as recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or equivalent body. Minimum of 12 months' experience of working on housing disrepair cases either on the Claimant or Defendant side. Experience of successfully managing a large caseload, achieving excellent outcomes. Knowledge of the pre-action protocols and Civil Procedure Rules. Knowledge of the relevant statutory, regulatory and common law applicable to the housing management functions of a social landlord, and the provision of regulated social and affordable housing. Practical awareness and/or experience of the Data Protection Act 2018. Can demonstrate having worked successfully in a complex organisation. Excellent written and oral communication skills and confident in advocacy. Excellent database management skills and experience of using a case management system. High level of IT literacy and excellent research skills. Ability to build strong working relationships within TRGL, the wider Group and with external stakeholders and advisers. Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills. Ability to work under pressure, deliver to strict deadlines and manage conflicting priorities. Outcome focussed with strong analytical skills, including the ability to analyse, sort and summarise information. Ability to work independently, using own initiative, taking ownership for decision-making and proposng solutions to issues identified. Ability to take ownership for workload. Can demonstrate a high level of motivation, resilience, and commitment to provide a high performing service. Excellent team player who can work flexibly to meet business requirements. Commercially aware with a strong focus on continuous improvement, risk management and good governance. Customer focussed and ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders alike in an honest and transparent manner to inspire confidence, trust, and respect. Ability to influence and inspire others to work innovatively and proactively. Can demonstrate a commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in the workplace and in the delivery of legal services. Commitment to continual professional and personal development within TRGL Legal Team on a long-term basis.

Desirable

* Experience of working in the social housing sector, ideally in or for a housing association or local authority, or for tenants in private practice.