Job Description
6 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
* Manage a varied caseload of property law matters to support the Council’s strategic and operational objectives
* Provide high-quality, timely legal advice and representation across property-related work
* Contribute to effective service delivery within Legal & Democratic Services, ensuring value for money and continuous improvement
* Support the Council in achieving its wider policy, regeneration, and asset management goals
Key Responsibilities
* Manage a caseload covering:
o Commercial and residential property matters
o Leases, licences, and disposals
o Rights of way, easements, and wayleaves
o Sales, acquisitions, and Right to Buy (RTB) transactions
* Draft, review, and negotiate legal and transactional documentation
* Provide clear, practical legal advice to officers and elected members (written and verbal)
* Represent the Council in:
o Courts
o Tribunals
o Public inquiries and hearings
* Build and maintain effective working relationships with:
o Internal departments
o External partners and stakeholders
* Deliver training and guidance to client departments and colleagues
* Ensure compliance with performance standards and best practice
* Support supervision and development of trainees and paralegals
* Contribute to achieving team performance targets with the Principal Lawyer
* Identify, assess, and communicate legal and operational risks
* Promote and demonstrate the Council’s values (collaborative, respectful, dedicated)
Requirements
* Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive (or equivalent)
* Strong knowledge of property law, ideally within a local government context
* Understanding of:
o Commercial and residential property transactions
o Land law concepts (easements, wayleaves, rights of way)
o Public sector legal frameworks
o Proven ability to manage a legal caseload independently
* Strong drafting and legal documentation skills
* Experience in legal research and presenting complex issues clearly
* Advocacy experience in courts, tribunals, or hearings
* Ability to analyse and solve complex legal problems
* Strong risk assessment and decision-making skills
* Ability to work to deadlines and meet performance targets
Additional Information
* Bi-Weekly Payments
* 37 Hours Per Week