Housing Disrepair Fee Earner

Location: Bolton

Working arrangement: 100% office based

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Previous Housing Disrepair experience is essential

Take the next step in your Housing Disrepair career

Imperium Financial Recruitment is recruiting for an experienced Housing Disrepair Fee Earner to join a busy firm of solicitors in Bolton.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated legal professional looking to build on their existing experience, take ownership of a varied caseload and develop their expertise in a specialist area of litigation.

You will undertake meaningful work helping clients address poor housing conditions, combining effective case management with practical legal advice and strong client care. Working closely with colleagues in the office, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your technical skills, contribute to the department and build your professional reputation.

The role

You will manage a caseload of claimant housing disrepair matters, progressing cases from initial instruction through the pre-action stages and, where required, litigation and settlement.

The position requires someone who can assess evidence, identify the issues affecting a claim and keep matters moving while maintaining clear communication with clients and other parties.

Your level of responsibility will reflect your experience, with more complex matters handled alongside supervising solicitors and senior colleagues.

Key responsibilitiesCaseload management

• Take responsibility for an allocated caseload of housing disrepair claims.
• Review new instructions and assess the merits of potential claims.
• Obtain and analyse tenancy agreements, repair records, complaint histories, photographs and relevant correspondence.
• Establish clear case chronologies, including when defects were reported and what action was taken.
• Identify evidential gaps and obtain further information where necessary.
• Prepare appropriate correspondence and progress cases through the relevant pre-action process.
• Maintain accurate case plans, diary entries and records of all material developments.
• Monitor deadlines and ensure matters progress efficiently.
• Recognise complex issues and seek supervisory guidance when appropriate.

Evidence and case preparation

• Take detailed client instructions concerning property conditions and their impact on day-to-day life.
• Prepare clear attendance notes and witness evidence.
• Arrange expert inspections where required and liaise with surveyors and other professionals.
• Review expert reports, schedules of disrepair and proposed remedial works.
• Assess the evidence relating to defects, notice, repair obligations and the losses claimed.
• Prepare or assist with schedules of loss and supporting documentation.
• Identify any related issues requiring referral or specialist advice.

Negotiation and litigation

• Liaise professionally with landlords, local authorities, housing associations and their legal representatives.
• Prepare settlement proposals and negotiate within agreed authority.
• Address compensation, remedial works and other relevant settlement terms.
• Keep clients informed of offers and explain the available options clearly.
• Prepare or assist with pleadings, applications, disclosure, witness statements and hearing bundles, according to your experience.
• Liaise with counsel and prepare instructions where required.
• Comply with court directions and procedural deadlines.
• Monitor agreed actions following settlement and escalate outstanding issues appropriately.

Client care

• Build positive working relationships with clients through clear, timely communication.
• Explain the claims process, likely next steps and any issues affecting progress.
• Manage expectations professionally and provide realistic updates.
• Show empathy when supporting clients experiencing difficult living conditions or personal circumstances.
• Respond promptly to enquiries and maintain a high standard of service throughout each matter.

File management and professional standards

• Maintain complete, accurate and well-organised electronic files.
• Use the case management system effectively.
• Follow applicable professional obligations and internal procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle personal information appropriately.
• Record time accurately where required and support billing and costs processes.
• Work towards agreed case progression and performance objectives while maintaining quality.
• Contribute to team discussions, share relevant knowledge and support colleagues.

Essential experience and skills

• Previous experience handling claimant Housing Disrepair matters.
• Practical knowledge of the housing disrepair claims process, including pre-action work and evidence gathering.
• Experience managing a caseload and taking responsibility for progressing files.
• The ability to review documentation, identify relevant issues and assess the evidence supporting a claim.
• Strong drafting skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Confident verbal communication and effective negotiation skills.
• A professional, empathetic approach to client care.
• Strong organisation and the ability to prioritise competing deadlines.
• Confidence using legal case management software and Microsoft Office.
• The ability to work independently while recognising when to seek support.
• Availability to work 100% from the Bolton office.

Desirable experience

• Experience handling litigated housing disrepair claims.
• Preparing witness statements, court documents and hearing bundles.
• Reviewing surveyors’ reports and schedules of remedial works.
• Negotiating settlements involving compensation and repairs.
• Liaising with counsel and supporting the preparation of matters for hearings.
• Experience working within a busy claimant litigation department.
• Relevant legal qualifications or ongoing professional study.

Applications are welcomed from experienced Housing Disrepair Fee Earners, Litigation Executives and Paralegals with the required practical background. Qualified solicitors and legal executives with relevant experience are also encouraged to apply.