We are seeking an experienced Property litigation lawyer to join Criterion Capital to manage residential, commercial, hospitality, and construction litigation matters. As a family office managing a diverse property portfolio, we require a litigation specialist who can both handle matters directly and effectively manage external legal counsel when appropriate.
The candidate must have significant contentious litigation experience and be hands on. The role reports directly to the CEO, with appropriate professional independence in accordance with SRA requirements.
This is Fully Office Based Position
Key Responsibilities
* Manage external lawyers running litigation / disputes while handling litigation matters, and general matters in-house to optimise legal spend.
* Manage all landlord and tenant work.
* Oversee case management, strategy, and compliance across all legal areas.
* Review, negotiate and approve legal documents, contracts, and court filings.
* Supervise possession proceedings, money claims, and settlement agreements.
* Ensure proper drafting and issuance of court documents (claim forms, defences, witness statements) and sign and issue court documents when handling matters directly.
* Manage tenancy disputes, guarantor checks, and debt collection.
* Oversee contract disputes, lease agreements, and lender negotiations.
* Handle Section 146 Notices, contract drafting, and external legal coordination.
* Develop dispute resolution and risk mitigation strategies and provide regular reporting on litigation risks and exposures.
* Manage JCT contract reviews, subcontractor agreements, and payless notices.
* Supervise litigation strategy, court hearings, settlements, and negotiations.
* Ensure compliance with HMRC, Companies House, ICO, and corporate policies.
* Oversee company legal matters, including intellectual property and regulations.
* Implement and maintain litigation case management systems to track matters, deadlines, and costs.
* Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across the business to provide early legal input on potential disputes.
* Conduct periodic litigation risk assessments across the property portfolio to identify and mitigate potential issues.
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Key Requirements
* 15+ years of experience in construction property litigation, covering residential, commercial, and construction disputes.
* Current SRA practicing certificate with authorisation to conduct litigation.
* Proven ability to lead and mentor legal teams.
* Extensive contentious experience, including hearings, settlements, and negotiations.
* Strong expertise in contract law, dispute resolution, and compliance.
* Ability to manage multiple legal areas efficiently and provide strategic litigation oversight.
* Experience with property portfolio management and landlord-tenant matters specific to high-value residential and commercial properties.
* Familiarity with construction industry standard forms (particularly JCT and NEC contracts), including contentious and non-contentious work.
* Ability to balance commercial pragmatism with legal risk management.
* Understanding of specific considerations of SRA-regulated solicitors in an in-house environment.
* Ability to represent our group companies in court matters directly.
If you're a hands-on construction and property litigation lawyer ready to lead and drive results, we want to hear from you.