Solicitor (property)

176PropertySolicitor

£450 Per Day

Full Time

Contract

Greater London, Greater London

Legal

Posted 4 hours ago

Expires In 29 Days

Job Description

Solicitor – Property (with Planning Experience)
Directorate: Legal and Democratic Services
Reports to: Head of Law (Place)
Responsible for: Property Law
Contract Type: Inside IR35
Pay Rate: £450 per day (Umbrella)
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, hybrid working (2–3 days per week office-based)
Location: London (with a local authority)
Interviews: To take place at the earliest opportunity, with commencement thereafter

Role
As Property Solicitor you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient and cost-effective delivery of legal services within a culture of customer focus, continuous improvement, and service excellence. Working within Legal and Democratic Services, the Solicitor will provide high-quality professional and technical advice across all aspects of Property Law, including urban redevelopment, acquisition and disposal, public/private partnerships, and compulsory purchase orders, with cross-over expertise in Planning law.

This role directly supports the council’s strategic priorities and will require the successful candidate to work collaboratively with colleagues, senior managers, elected members, partner agencies, and external stakeholders to achieve organisational objectives.

Responsibilities
  • Manage a caseload of Property Law matters, including the provision of legal advice and the drafting and negotiation of legal documentation relating to property transactions.
  • Assist the Senior Lawyers, Head of Law, and Assistant Director (or Director) with complex and high-profile cases concerning property and planning law.
  • Provide timely and accurate advice to the Borough Solicitor and the Head of Law with respect to legal implications or risks affecting council decisions and strategy.
  • Prepare and present detailed legal reports for Cabinet, Committees, and Sub-Committees, ensuring compliance with constitutional, procedural, and standing order requirements.
  • Conduct or assist with legal proceedings, public inquiries, appeals, and judicial reviews before the High Court, Court of Appeal, or relevant Tribunals as required.
  • Maintain appropriate records relating to all matters handled, ensuring compliance with internal systems and objectives.
  • Provide guidance and supervision to junior team members, including interns, Legal Assistants, and Trainee Solicitors.
  • Develop and implement efficient legal processes, precedents, and systems to improve the performance and cost-effectiveness of the Property team.
  • Support governance by providing authoritative advice on emerging legislation, equality issues, information law, and related corporate matters affecting local government functions.

Essential Skills and Experience
  • Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with current practising rights in England and Wales.
  • Demonstrable experience of managing complex and high-profile property, regeneration, or planning matters within a local authority or equivalent setting.
  • Strong understanding of the statutory, regulatory, and governance framework of local government.
  • Proven ability to advise senior officers, directors, and elected members on legal and strategic matters with clarity, impartiality, and professionalism.
  • Excellent drafting, advocacy, and negotiation skills, particularly in relation to complex legal agreements and large-scale regeneration initiatives.
  • Clear and concise written and verbal communication abilities tailored to diverse audiences.
  • Ability to lead, motivate, and develop legal staff to achieve high standards of professional performance.
  • Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and case law.
  • Flexibility to attend evening meetings and respond to urgent issues outside normal working hours when necessary.
  • Experience in Regeneration and Planning Law, and previous employment within a Local Government legal service.

Interviews will take place as soon as possible, with the successful candidate commencing promptly thereafter. If you have the skills and experience required for this role and are looking to make a real difference for a local community submit your cv now for immediate review.