Location
London Borough of Islington

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£89,115 per annum

About the Role
As the Head of Legal (Litigation), you will lead a multi-disciplinary legal function within NHG's newly centralised Legal Services team, delivering expert and customer-focused litigation services across housing management, landlord and tenant matters, income collection, and debt recovery. You will act as a trusted legal adviser to senior stakeholders, providing authoritative guidance on complex housing litigation matters including disrepair claims, anti-social behaviour, tenancy enforcement, service charge disputes, arrears possession proceedings, leasehold disputes, and debt recovery. Your leadership will ensure that NHG maintains high standards of compliance, governance, risk management, and operational effectiveness across all areas of litigation.

Reporting into the Director of Legal, you'll lead and develop a high-performing team of solicitors, paralegals, and legal administrators, driving a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities
- Lead the provision of legal advice and litigation support across housing management and landlord and tenant matters, including disrepair, anti-social behaviour, tenancy fraud, injunctions, leasehold disputes, and breach of tenancy cases.
- Oversee all debt recovery litigation activity across the organisation, including arrears possession claims and related enforcement actions.
- Manage and supervise a specialist legal team, ensuring high-quality legal services are delivered efficiently and compliantly.
- Ensure appropriate legal work is undertaken in-house where cost effective, including drafting pleadings, claim forms, witness statements, and legal documentation.
- Develop and improve legal processes, procedures, and governance arrangements to ensure effective and compliant service delivery.
- Manage relationships with external solicitors and barristers, ensuring value for money and strong performance management.
- Deliver legal training and guidance to operational colleagues, supporting teams to proactively manage housing law and debt recovery matters.
- Horizon scan legislative and regulatory developments relating to housing law and litigation, ensuring stakeholders remain informed of emerging risks and changes.
- Monitor team caseloads, KPIs, and reporting requirements to ensure performance standards are achieved.
- Provide senior-level legal advice and support to colleagues and stakeholders across NHG.

Experience
- Qualified Solicitor of England and Wales with a valid Practising Certificate.
- Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience (PQE).
- Experience working within a social housing legal department, housing association, local authority, or private practice environment.
- Expert knowledge of housing law, landlord and tenant legislation, debt recovery, and litigation processes.
- Strong leadership and people management experience.
- Experience managing complex legal caseloads within a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency using legal databases, case management systems, and Microsoft Office.

About You
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong understanding of risk management and compliance frameworks.
- Ability to provide strategic, pragmatic, and resident-focused legal advice.
- Passionate about delivering high-quality legal services and driving continuous improvement.
- Committed to collaboration and service excellence.

Qualifications
- Qualified Solicitor of England and Wales with a valid Practising Certificate.
- Pending confirmation of legislative changes, there may be an expectation to study towards a professional qualification if not already qualified.