Legal Assistant/Paralegal - Housing & Disrepair (Maternity Cover)
Rate: £30 per hour
Location: Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, Catford, London, SE6 4RU
Type: Temporary (6-12 months)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Start Date: 5 August 2025
Work Pattern: Hybrid - 2 days office-based, 3 days remote
IR35: Inside
Reference: OR9824
Lewisham Council - Law and Corporate Governance Group is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant/Paralegal to provide maternity cover in the Housing and Disrepair team for a period of 6 to 12 months.
About the Role:
You will manage a caseload of approximately 40 housing and disrepair cases under the supervision of a Principal or Senior Lawyer. The ideal candidate will have a strong legal foundation and a keen interest or experience in housing, disrepair, and Environmental Protection Act (EPA) matters.
Key Responsibilities:
Drafting legal documents including defences, witness statements, and application notices.
Managing case settlements and dealing with costs issues.
Attending legal, income, and housing management meetings.
Maintaining accurate records of new and existing cases.
Processing external invoices and arranging counsel for hearings.
Preparing and sending hearing bundles.
Updating the Legal Housing Calendar with case timelines.
Monitoring and responding to the Legal Housing team inbox.
Essential Requirements:
A Law Degree or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).
Some knowledge of housing law, disrepair claims, and EPA prosecutions.
Excellent drafting, organisational, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a wider legal team.
