Solicitor

Disrepair Litigation

Location: Leicester-based office

Working arrangements: Hybrid and remote working available

Employment type: Full-time, permanent

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

About the role

We are seeking a qualified solicitor to join our growing housing disrepair litigation team in Leicester.

The successful candidate will manage a caseload of housing disrepair claims and supervise a team of paralegals. You will be responsible for progressing claims efficiently, maintaining high professional standards and providing guidance, training and support to the wider team.

Key responsibilities

* Managing a caseload of housing disrepair claims from initial assessment through to settlement or trial.

* Managing, supervising and supporting a team of paralegals.

* Allocating work and monitoring workloads, deadlines and team performance.

* Providing training, guidance and day-to-day legal support to paralegals.

* Conducting regular file reviews and ensuring compliance with the firm’s quality assurance procedures.

* Assessing the merits, evidence and prospects of each claim.

* Advising clients in clear and straightforward language.

* Preparing and reviewing letters of claim, pleadings, schedules of loss and settlement offers.

* Ensuring compliance with the Housing Conditions Pre-Action Protocol and Civil Procedure Rules.

* Instructing and liaising with surveyors, medical experts and counsel where appropriate.

* Negotiating settlements with local authorities, housing associations and other landlords.

* Preparing matters for issue and progressing claims through the court process where required.

* Reviewing disclosure, witness evidence and expert reports.

* Monitoring limitation dates, case milestones and litigation risks.

* Managing costs and ensuring accurate recording of time and case activity.

* Maintaining accurate and up-to-date electronic case files.

* Working within the firm’s client care, compliance and risk management procedures.

* Meeting agreed performance, service and financial targets.

* Reporting caseload progress, team performance and key risks to senior management.

Essential requirements

* Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with a current practising certificate.

* Previous experience in housing disrepair, civil litigation or personal injury litigation.

* Experience supervising, managing or mentoring paralegals.

* Strong knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules and relevant pre-action protocols.

* Experience managing a caseload with limited supervision.

* Excellent drafting, negotiation and client-care skills.

* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

* Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume litigation environment.

* Good understanding of SRA standards, professional conduct and risk management.

* Confident use of case management systems and standard office software.

Desirable experience

* Experience dealing with housing associations, local authorities or private landlords.

* Experience with conditional fee agreements and housing disrepair funding arrangements.

* Experience progressing claims through the county court.

* Experience managing a legal support team.

* Experience using Proclaim or similar legal case management software.

What we offer

* Leicester-based office with remote working available.

* Supportive and expanding litigation team.

* Opportunities for career progression and professional development.

* Varied and substantial housing disrepair caseload.

* Training and support from experienced legal professionals.

* Competitive salary and benefits package.

* A professional working environment focused on quality, compliance and client service