UK Employer of the Year 2024: Silver (250+) - Investors in People Awards
The Role
Forbes Solicitors LLP are seeking a Solicitor to join our Housing and Regeneration (Litigation) team at our Gordon House Office in Walton Summit, or the Manchester Office. This role is full time, working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Housing Litigation Solicitor to progress their career and bring their experience and knowledge into a collaborative and professional team. While the role demands the fast pace, customer focus, and high standards of a law firm, it also ensures a sustainable work-life balance, reflecting the regional area it serves.
As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for achieving successful outcomes such as:
* Handling a varied case load of social housing tenancy and leasehold disputes primarily consisting of ASB and housing management matters, but also including some residential leasehold and more complex cases;
* Attending County Court, Magistrates Court (civil jurisdiction) and First-tier Tribunal hearings for a wide variety of hearings, including:-
o On notice and ex parte applications for injunctions,
o Committal hearings, both on notice and following arrest (including rota cover),
o Directions and case management hearings,
o Opportunities to conduct trials if suitably skilled and experienced / qualified;
* Provision of written and verbal advice in litigated and non-litigated matters;
* Communications with client, opponents, Courts/Tribunals and third parties to progress files;
* Provision and supervision of value-added services e.g. client helpline calls/emails, legal surgeries, briefing notes etc.
* Supporting the Head of Department, Partners and other advisors on their own cases, and the delivery of the departmental strategy and business objectives;
* Ensuring compliance with internal and external business requirements including ISO:9001 quality control, SRA Principles / Code of Conduct, and Court & Tribunal deadlines;
* Monitoring and reporting on own financial and business performance, and of colleagues under the Solicitor’s management / supervision responsibilities, to deliver work in a profitable manner;
* Contributing towards internal continuous improvement, innovation and knowledge sharing;
* Inter-departmental support and collaboration on joint files, projects and events;
* Contributing to the development of the departmental business plan;
* Building positive relationships with current/prospective clients and enhancing the Firm’s profile, to drive business growth;
* Contributing to business development including training events, articles/newsletters, Chambers & Legal 500 submissions etc.
The Person
We will be progressing applicants to the next stage based on their demonstrated knowledge, experience, and skills in:
* qualified Solicitor (or CILEX equivalent possessing civil rights of audience) with minimum 2 years PQE;
* previous experience working within social housing litigation is essential;
* demonstrable experience conducting advocacy in Courts or Tribunals is desirable including ability and willingness to travel throughout England;
* higher Rights of Audience in the Civil Courts is advantageous but not essential;
* proven experience of handling own caseload, working to and managing deadlines, alongside the Capability to generate fees in accordance with agreed targets;
* good knowledge of IT systems, including, Word, Outlook and case management systems;
* good organisational and communication skills;
* have the ability to work unsupervised and good self-motivation skills;
* have the ability to supervise and manage others effectively;
* have the ability to work collaboratively as part of a supportive team and be reliable and enthusiastic;
* aligns with the Forbes values;
* have excellent attention to detail;
If you are interested in this role or in joining Forbes Solicitors, please visit our website to learn more about us.
The Firm
At Forbes Solicitors, we believe in creating a supportive and collaborative environment where our team members can thrive and develop themselves and others. We offer a comprehensive range of legal services and have offices across the North, with deep roots in Lancashire. Our team are known for its genuine, practical advice and passion for achieving the best results. We are real people who listen to each other and work together to deliver exceptional service.
We are proud to have been awarded UK Employer of the Year: Silver (250+) at the Investors in People Awards 2024 and the Firm is ranked as a Legal 500 Top Tier Firm and a Chambers and Partners Leading Firm.
We are a values led Firm and are looking for people who embody our values: authenticity, striving for exceptional results, and unity in teamwork to join our award-winning Firm.
The Benefits
We are dedicated to supporting our people and offer a range of benefits, including:
* 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays, increasing with length of service
* Annual leave purchase scheme (Subject to T&Cs)
* Enhanced family friendly policies and pay for Maternity, Paternity and Adoption;
* Enhanced sick pay
* Celebration and Volunteer leave
* Ongoing professional development and progression opportunities (Career Framework)
* Profit share scheme
* Additional long service awards
* Subsidised tuck shops
* Staff discount on Firm services
* Health care benefits (Health Cash Back Plan and Mental Health Counselling Services)
* BUPA (Solicitor positions only, for self, not dependents)
* Retail and gym membership discounts
* Recruitment and legal department referrals (Subject to T&Cs)
* Annual Events
Forbes is an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer, accredited by Investors in People and ISO 9001 Quality Management certified. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment, service provision, and supplier engagement, and strive to maintain a workforce that reflects the local community.
We kindly remind all recruitment agencies to respect our policy which prohibits the acceptance of speculative CVs, and not submit candidates for a role that we advertise, unless explicitly instructed to do so. Any candidates that are submitted on a speculative basis will not be considered an introduction. Our dedication to this process is part of our commitment to equal opportunities for all applicants.