Housing Lawyer – Disrepair & Possession (PO4–PO5)

Temporary Contract – 12 Weeks – Possibility of Extension

Job Details

Client: London Borough of Lambeth
Grade: PO4–PO5
Duration: 12 weeks
Contract: Temporary
Start Date: 30 November 2026
End Date: 21 February 2027
Hours: 35 per week
Vacancies: 2
PAYE Rate: £28.07 per hour

Working Pattern and Location

Remote working. No regular office attendance is specified. Attendance at court, tribunals or hearings may be required as part of the legal role; confirm arrangements with the hiring team.

Job Overview

The London Borough of Lambeth is seeking two experienced Housing Lawyers to join its Legal Services Housing team for a temporary assignment. The majority of the work will involve housing disrepair litigation and tenancy possession cases.

Working under the Principal Housing Lawyer, you will manage contentious housing cases, draft pleadings and legal documents, prepare cases for hearings, provide specialist advice to Council departments and undertake advocacy at courts, tribunals and inquiries when required.

The role requires strong knowledge of housing and local government law, the ability to progress litigation independently and confident professional communication with colleagues and stakeholders. Candidates should have at least two years of relevant post-qualification experience in contentious housing law, including appropriate advocacy and judicial review knowledge or experience.

Important – Please Read Carefully

At least two years of post-qualification experience in contentious housing law is required. Strong, practical experience handling housing disrepair litigation and tenancy possession proceedings is particularly important because these will form the majority of the caseload.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage contentious housing law cases, primarily disrepair litigation and tenancy possession matters.
• Prepare and settle pleadings, witness statements, submissions and other legal documents.
• Prepare cases for hearings and represent the Council in courts, tribunals or inquiries when required.
• Provide clear and reliable housing law advice to Council officers, committees and working groups.
• Advise on relevant legislative changes, case law and judicial review issues.
• Work with the Principal Housing Lawyer to deliver timely, high-quality legal services.
• Negotiate effectively and maintain constructive relationships with internal clients and external parties.
• Use legal case management and office systems, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Meet case deadlines and maintain appropriate professional and service standards.
• Supervise trainees or other assigned staff and contribute to corporate projects where required.

Essential Experience & Skills

• At least two years of post-qualification experience practising contentious housing law.
• Thorough, up-to-date knowledge of housing legislation and relevant local government law.
• Practical litigation experience in housing disrepair and/or tenancy possession proceedings.
• Experience drafting pleadings and preparing litigation cases for hearings.
• Knowledge or experience of judicial review and housing law advocacy relevant to the role.
• Strong legal research, negotiation, written communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload, prioritise work and meet strict deadlines.
• Competence using Microsoft Word, Excel and relevant legal systems.

Desirable Experience

• Previous housing litigation experience within a local authority.
• Experience advising committees or supporting junior colleagues.

Additional Information

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK. Interviews are expected to take place online via Microsoft Teams. The assignment is listed as remote, but candidates should confirm any court and hearing attendance requirements.

Disclaimer

On applying for this vacancy, you agree that your personal details will be passed onto our client for their consideration of your suitability for the role.

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to notify Fix Space Recruitment Limited of any hirer who I do not want my details to be passed onto.

Job ReferenceOR122069Screening Questions

1. Do you have at least two years of post-qualification professional experience in contentious housing law?
2. Have you personally managed housing disrepair litigation cases? Please describe your responsibilities and case types.
3. Have you handled tenancy possession proceedings, including preparing pleadings and cases for hearings?
4. What experience do you have of housing law advocacy, court or tribunal hearings, or judicial review matters?
5. Have you provided contentious housing law advice to a local authority, social landlord or similar organisation?
6. Can you work remotely and attend court, hearings or other required appointments if necessary?
7. Are you available to start on 30 November 2026 and work 35 hours per week for the 12-week assignment?