Housing Disrepair Solicitor

We are seeking an experienced Housing Disrepair Solicitor to join our client's busy Housing and Litigation team. The successful candidate will manage a caseload of housing disrepair claims, representing tenants and leaseholders in actions against landlords, local authorities and housing associations. This role offers the opportunity to work on a mix of pre court claims, court proceedings, settlement negotiations and, where appropriate, judicial review and group litigation matters.

With a well established reputation for high quality client care and a commitment to top quality service, this firm provides a supportive environment and genuine opportunities for career development. The team values technical excellence and a client centred approach.

Hybrid Working

Key responsibilities:

• Manage a caseload of housing disrepair matters from initial instruction through to resolution, ensuring files are progressed promptly, records are accurate and clients receive clear, practical advice.
• Conduct thorough case assessments, advise clients on prospects, likely remedies (including damages, repairs and diminution of value), costs and realistic timescales, and develop pragmatic strategies tailored to client objectives.
• Prepare and issue pre action correspondence, Part 8 and Part 7 claims, defences, particulars of claim, witness statements, schedules of loss and other court documents in accordance with Civil Procedure Rules and court directions.
• Obtain and instruct expert surveyors and other professionals, manage inspection arrangements, review expert reports and integrate expert evidence into case strategy.
• Handle disclosure and evidence gathering, prepare trial bundles and chronology, and ensure files are trial ready where hearings are anticipated.
• Negotiate settlements, attend mediations and ADR sessions, and liaise with counsel to prepare for interim and final hearings as necessary.
• Advise on and assist with statutory complaints, regulatory reporting and applications for interim remedies including injunctive relief where appropriate.
• Maintain compliant, audit ready files and follow anti money laundering (AML), client identity and other regulatory procedures in line with firm policies.
• Prepare fee estimates and budgets, record time and costs accurately and assist with billing and cost recovery processes.
• Contribute to the development of precedents, templates and workflows to improve efficiency and share best practice within the team.
• Provide guidance and supervision to more junior colleagues, offering coaching on technical issues, file management and client care.

Key skills and experience required:

• Qualified solicitor with demonstrable experience in housing disrepair litigation and possession/repair claims (typically 2+ years PQE in housing litigation or equivalent experience).
• Strong knowledge of relevant housing law, the Civil Procedure Rules, pre action protocols and evidential requirements for disrepair claims.
• Experience of instructing and liaising with surveyors and experts, and of preparing and utilising expert evidence in litigation.
• Proven ability to draft clear, persuasive court documents, client advice and correspondence with excellent attention to detail.
• Confident negotiator with the ability to manage settlement discussions and represent client interests in ADR and court hearings.
• Good case and time management skills, able to manage competing priorities and maintain high standards of client care under pressure.
• Familiarity with case management systems and willingness to support digital workflows and process improvements.
• Commitment to offering inclusive, client focused services and working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.