Assistant Solicitor/Barrister - Housing (part time, 21 hours per week)

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• Candidate_Pack_-_Communities_Directorate_PS
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Please apply online via the link provided.

Please include a personal statement with your CV specifying why you are applying for this vacancy.

At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service.

Legal excellence is the foundation of Bracknell Forest Council. We are currently offering an exciting opportunity for a part-time solicitor/barrister with specialist expertise in Housing Law to join our experienced and committed legal team.

About you

You are a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a passion for housing law and ideally have at least 3 years of post-qualified experience. You bring enthusiasm, confidence, and reliability to your work, with a strong commitment to client care and delivering excellent customer service. You thrive in a dynamic environment, balancing complex legal challenges with the creativity needed to find practical solutions. You are someone who exercises sound professional judgment and understands the importance of political awareness in a local government context.

About the team

We are a small, collaborative legal team dedicated to supporting the Council’s officers and members. Our close-knit approach allows us to work together effectively, share knowledge, and ensure high-quality legal support across the organisation. While the work can be demanding, it’s also varied and rewarding, no two days are the same. We value open communication, problem-solving, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact through our legal expertise.

Key responsibilities

• To provide client focused, high quality and responsive specialist advice and assistance across the council on Housing Law matters.
• To advise and represent the council in respect of both Contentious and Non Contentious Housing law.
• To advise and represent the council in Court.
• Develop your skills and competencies in a learning environment which values creativity, teamwork and innovation.

There will be opportunities for continuing professional development through attendance at courses, viewing of webinars and undertaking training sessions for clients.

Our benefits

• 28 days* annual leave increasing to 33 days* after 3 years’ continuous service.
• The opportunity to buy up to 10 additional days* annual leave per year and sell 5 days.
• Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice for an electric car at a fixed monthly cost (subject to eligibility).
• An inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks.
• Local government pension scheme.
• Life insurance cover (linked to the pension scheme)
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
• Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits such as annual leave entitlements, occupational maternity/paternity leave, and more. (Terms and Conditions apply – please refer to candidate pack for more information.)
• Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
• A great office location next to travel links and Bracknell Forest’s thriving town centre.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.
• Sports and Social Club.
• Staff dental and health plans.
• Discounted leisure centre and gym membership.
• Supermarket discount.

*(pro rata for part time)

Our values

At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process.

Interview date

Interviews will be held the week commencing 14th July 2025.

Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.

We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.

Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.

Want to ask us a question?

For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:

Baljinder Sanghera, Assistant Borough Solicitor – People, Phone Number: 01344 353139

At Bracknell Forest we champion equality, diversity and inclusion. At Bracknell Forest Council, we are always learning, ambitious and inclusive. Please see our candidate pack for more details.

Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment.

We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.

Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.

No agencies please.