Principal Housing Lawyer – Epping Forest District Council

Overview

In this role you will provide high-quality housing law advice and representation to the Council and its partners, managing a varied caseload and ensuring compliance with statutory obligations. You will act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, support policy development, and deliver training to strengthen housing services. The role sits in the Housing & Property Directorate and offers hybrid working with court attendance. You help reduce legal risk while achieving positive outcomes for the community.

Responsibilities

• Offer expert advice on a broad range of housing matters (Homelessness duties, allocations, tenancy management, disrepair, ASB, equality and human rights)
• Advise on policy development ensuring statutory compliance and best practice
• Manage a varied caseload from instruction to conclusion
• Conduct or instruct advocacy in courts and tribunals (County Court possession, judicial review, homelessness reviews)
• Draft pleadings, witness statements, and settlement agreements
• Liaise with external counsel when required
• Raise awareness of sector developments and provide training to the organisation
• Support other areas as needed (building compliance, compensation, complaints)

Key requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, Legal Executive or equivalent
• Experienced advocate in Magistrates and County Court
• Experience advising on evidence sufficiency for proceedings or defenses
• Strong technical experience in non-contentious housing management and contentious landlord/tenant matters
• Experience managing a large caseload with excellent outcomes
• Knowledge of pre-action protocols and Civil Procedure Rules
• Knowledge of housing management law for social landlords and regulated housing
• Practical awareness of the Data Protection Act 2018

• Stakeholder management
• Training and knowledge sharing
• Risk awareness
• Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
• Non-contentious and contentious housing management matters
• Civil Procedure Rules

…