Senior Property Solicitor
Responsible to:
Interim Deputy Corporate Head of Law & Governance
Engaging with staff at all levels in the Council, Members, residents, solicitors in private practice, barristers, judiciary, other public and private bodies.
Main Purpose of Job:
Qualified solicitor role, current practising certificate and SRA number are mandatory requirements.
To provide advice, transactional work and drafting for commercial property matters (Wayleaves, Easements, Leases, Lease renewals, Management Work, Disposal etc), Open Spaces, community assets and some Housing matters (Right to Buy, Shared Ownership, Acquisition, Lease Extension etc) and issuing the First Homes Scheme certifications. Drafting legal implications in Committee reports pertaining to properties. To be a mentor and support to more junior/other members of the team.
The position is supervised by the Principal Property Solicitor and the Interim Deputy Corporate Head of Law and Governance and assisted by the Legal Assistant (who mainly deals with Housing matters). The position is required to come in the office at Addlestone, ideally twice a week in the first instance, always including the monthly team meeting on a Tuesday. Attendance days to be discussed with the Interim Deputy Corporate Head of Law and Governance but will generally be flexible.
* Undertake the general work of a local government solicitor as directed from time to time in particular:
* To carry a caseload of legal work, working independently/minimally supervised, within the lawyer's specialism and to be responsible for completing all aspects of the task in accordance with good legal practice and client service.
* To manage the relationship with external legal advisors appointed in connection with provision of legal advice related to Runnymede Borough Council.
* To instruct Counsel when appropriate or advised and to assist Counsel in the presentation of cases to the Court when necessary.
* To undertake a range of specific tasks as directed by the Interim Deputy Corporate Head of Law and Governance .
* To undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may be allocated from time to time.
* To actively contribute towards the continual improvement of the service and make effective use of case management systems.
* Drafting reports to members and committees and attending meetings during office hours.
The post holder will be required to comply with organisation's policies and procedures.
The post holder must have a valid practising certificate.
The organisation has a no smoking policy. Staff are not permitted to smoke on any of the organisation's premises nor in any vehicle used on organisation business.
This Job Description covers the main duties and responsibilities of the job and will be subject to review, in consultation with the post holder, to meet the changing needs of the organisation. Other activities commensurate with this Job Description may from time to time be undertaken by the post holder.
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