4 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
To provide high-quality, timely and strategic legal advice on property, land and estates matters arising from Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The role will support the lawful and effective transfer, management and rationalisation of local authority assets, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations and alignment with organisational objectives.
The post holder will manage a complex caseload, contribute to major transformation projects, and support the Council in delivering efficient, legally robust reorganisation outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide expert legal advice on property and land matters, including acquisitions, disposals, leases and asset transfers linked to LGR.
* Lead and manage a varied caseload of complex property transactions with minimal supervision.
* Draft, review and negotiate legal documentation including contracts, transfer deeds, development agreements and licences.
* Advise on title issues, easements, covenants, rights of way and land use matters.
* Support Local Government Reorganisation through legal input on asset restructuring, service transitions and governance arrangements.
* Provide legal advice to Members, Committees and senior officers on property-related matters.
* Support the Monitoring Officer in identifying and addressing legal risks, including illegality or procedural issues.
* Undertake and/or manage advocacy in courts, tribunals or inquiries where required.
* Supervise and support junior legal staff, contributing to team development and performance.
* Contribute to service improvement, policy development and reducing reliance on external legal support.
* Deliver training and guidance to internal stakeholders on property law and related matters.
Requirements
* Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX with a current practising certificate in England and Wales.
* Significant experience in property law, ideally within local government or the public sector.
* Experience handling complex land and property transactions and large-scale asset transfers.
* Experience advising on regeneration, infrastructure or reorganisation projects (desirable).
* Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff.
* Advocacy experience or willingness to undertake advocacy.
* Strong knowledge of property and land law and public sector legal frameworks.
* Ability to manage a high-volume, complex caseload independently.
* Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
* Ability to influence and work effectively with senior stakeholders.
* Good understanding of governance, risk management and decision-making in a local authority context.
Additional Information
* Bi-Weekly Payments
* Location: Surrey, RH2 8EF