YOUR NEW ORGANISATION:

Southend-on-Sea City Council is a unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who work alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend-on-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work-life balance. As a Unitary Authority, we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

YOUR NEW ROLE:

Southend City Council are looking to appoint a full-time, permanent lawyer with substantial experience in housing disrepair litigation. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and committed legal professional with a proven track record in managing complex housing cases to join the Council’s in-house legal service.
You will work under the supervision of the Principal and Senior Lawyers, taking ownership of a varied and demanding caseload. The role requires confident handling of housing litigation, with a particular focus on disrepair cases, dealing with cases from pre-litigation through to conclusion of litigation. This will include high-value and routine disrepair claims, possession proceedings, injunctions, closure orders and enforcement actions.
This is a pivotal position for someone who can work independently, deliver high-quality legal advice, and manage cases from start to finish. A strong understanding of the pre-action protocol for housing conditions claims and the litigation process is essential. The post includes a combination of routine administrative tasks, as well as the provision of clear written and verbal legal advice representing the Council in County and Magistrates court when required.
You will also support colleagues and clients with practical, policy work, and legal guidance, including interpretation of relevant bylaws and statutory frameworks.
This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Southend residents while contributing to the Council’s commitment to quality housing standards.
Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week and be available to attend Court when required.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO NOW:

If you are interested in this role, please click ‘apply online’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here
If you are wanting further information that isn’t in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com
Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief