Junior Paralegal Position: Permanent, full time 37hrs per week Location: Birmingham/Hybrid - minimum two days a week Salary: £28,163 2025/26 pay award pending We are brave, we are ambitious, we are honest, and we are Citizen Our Assurance Team within disrepair litigation plays a key role in ensuring Citizen effectively manages disrepair litigation claims across the organisation as a whole. As a Junior Paralegal you will be responsible for specifically dealing with housing disrepair claims under the Housing Pre Action-Protocol. This is a fantastic and new opportunity to show your skills and knowledge within the setting of a thriving and growing housing association. As this is a completely new role, you can make a real contribution, the role of the Junior Paralegal will involve the following: Assist the Senior Paralegal in dealing with disrepair claims. Provide litigation paralegal support and advice on behalf of Citizen Housing. Manage Housing Disrepair files from start to finish. Work in collaboration with Citizens inhouse Disrepair Assurance Team giving professional advice where necessary. Work in conjunction with Citizens partners, external solicitors, and key stakeholders. Attend Court and actively defend legal claims on behalf of Citizen. Provide support to the Senior Paralegal and the inhouse team. Managing defended and undefended litigation in areas for housing disrepair. Providing advice on general residential landlord and tenant legal issues in writing and by telephone. As a Junior Paralegal we need you to have: Ideally, some Paralegal experience and, or completed LLB/LPC graduate desirable but not essential. Experience or good working knowledge in dealing with housing disrepair matters. Have a full understanding of the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Disrepair Cases Have a full understanding of S.11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 4 of the Defective Premises Act 1972, The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, common law nuisance and negligence. Attending and representing Citizen at County Court and Magistrates hearings. Drafting court proceedings, witness statements and affidavits. Progressing and managing cases that proceed to trial by complying with Court directions such as disclosure and instructing Counsel. Negotiating settlements with opposing parties. We would be really excited if you have: Experience of advising on cases and the merits of such cases. Commercial experience in dealing with settlements and advising. Experience and competent to issue proceedings in housing disrepair matters and draft cost schedules. We will be an employer of choice and invest in our people We will work together as one team and embrace our Citizen values We will attract and retain the best and brightest professionals, support them to achieve their potential, and reward and recognise them for the fantastic work they do. Competitive benefits - find more details here: Citizen | Benefits With over fifty years of experience, we have grown to be one of the UK’s most trusted social housing providers, Citizen owns and manages 30,000 homes for diverse communities across the West Midlands, from urban tower blocks to rural villages and towns. Find out more about the work we do here: Citizen Further information on our selection process and Equality and Diversity commitment can be found at www.citizenhousing.org.uk If you have previously applied for this position and were not selected, we kindly ask that you do not reapply for the same role. We encourage you to explore other opportunities within our company that may better align with your skills and experience. Closing date: Monday 31st March 2025 Interview date: week commencing 7th April 2025 - to be confirmed Please note we will be reviewing applications throughout the campaign and may invite candidates to interview at any time. We reserve the right to close this role earlier than the published closing date should a suitable candidate be identified.