Housing Lawyer – Legal Services Team

Overview

As a Housing Lawyer in Reading Borough Council, you will provide expert housing law guidance and represent the Council in housing-related litigation. You will handle a varied caseload spanning homelessness, allocations, disrepair and court proceedings, contributing to high-quality legal advice and advocacy. The role supports the Housing Service and collaborates withcross-functional teams to protect the Council’s interests. Hybrid working and a values-driven, team-focused culture underline the opportunity to impact local housing practice.

Pay / Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years
• flexible working opportunities
• LGPS pension
• Life Assurance (3x salary)
• on-site nursery
• Season Ticket Loan and salary sacrifice lease car

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied housing litigation caseload, drafting letters, pleadings, statements, settlement briefs, and coordinating with litigants in person and opponents
• Prepare for and advocate in County and Magistrates’ Courts; handle court proceedings on behalf of the Council
• Ensure compliance with Civil Procedure Rules and court deadlines; track timelines and court directions
• Advise on housing law topics including homelessness, allocations, and judicial reviews under relevant legislation
• Undertake housing disrepair work and manage related caseloads
• Support senior lawyers on complex cases and provide policy/legal advice to officers and members
• Maintain client liaison and provide timely case progress updates
• Deliver high-quality legal services aligned with council goals and local government law practices

Key requirements

• Qualified legal professional (Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEx Fellow) with current practising certificate and right to practise in England
• Strong interest and hands-on experience in housing litigation and court procedures
• Experience managing large, varied caseloads in housing matters including disrepair, possession, homelessness, allocations, trespass
• Knowledge of housing legislation and civil procedure
• Excellent diary management and ability to prioritise workload to meet service needs
• Recent advocacy experience and good interpersonal skills
• Team player with collaborative approach
• Ability to provide sound legal advice to officers and members

• highly organised
• collaborative
• good interpersonal skills
• housing litigation
• advocacy
• court procedures (County Court, Magistrates Court)

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