Lawyer LBS-011 (Project)
Job Description:
Lawyer LBS-011 (Project)
Temporary Contract
Job Details
Client: Southwark Council
Service Area: Resources > Customer & Exchequer Services > Homeownership
Hours: 35 hours per week
Target Start Date: 28 April 2026
Duration: 96 days
Working Arrangement: 2 days in the office, 3 days remote (dependent on caseload)
Location
Office Base:
160 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2QH
Pay & Package
PAYE Rate: £38.43 per hour
Job Overview
Southwark Council is seeking an experienced Lawyer / Authorised Person to conduct litigation across a number of teams within Exchequer Services.
This role requires a qualified legal professional with strong experience in housing litigation, particularly in relation to service charge recovery, rent and possession, and housing benefit appeal matters. You will manage a varied caseload of complex litigation matters, provide legal advice and representation, and support officers across the service with case management and legal process compliance.
This is a specialist local authority legal role requiring strong litigation skills, excellent knowledge of court and tribunal procedure, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct general litigation activity including issuing claims and reviewing court or tribunal applications and documents
Provide legal advice, support and case management on matters affecting Exchequer Services income streams
Manage cases relating to housing rent, variable service charges and housing benefit appeals
Review and authorise legal documentation prepared by officers for court and tribunal proceedings
Represent the organisation at court and tribunals where appropriate
Make key legal decisions and identify reputational and financial risks
Deal directly with officers involved in litigation proceedings
Maintain good governance and ensure statutory, court and council deadlines are met
Support the Litigation Team and Business Unit Managers with legal updates, policy interpretation and casework support
Provide associated legal advice to staff in the normal course of the lawyer-client relationship
Comply with organisational policies and procedures and undertake other reasonable duties within the remit of the role
Essential Experience & Skills
Appropriate legal qualification to undertake housing and general litigation
Must be either a Solicitor registered with the SRA, a Barrister registered with the BSB and authorised to conduct litigation, or a CILEX Lawyer authorised by CILEX to conduct litigation
Experience of general litigation
Experience in a local authority or similar environment dealing with complex litigation matters
Strong understanding of court rules, tribunal procedure and litigation practice
Ability to manage a varied caseload with minimal supervision
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams
Good IT skills including Microsoft Word and case management systems
Strong understanding of confidentiality, conflict of interest and professional advice standards
Desirable
Experience of housing law casework
Experience dealing with service charge recovery, rent possession matters and housing benefit appeals
CILEX qualification
Reporting To
Litigation Team / Business Unit Management
Additional Information
Interviews will take place online.
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.
OR26916