Legal Officer (Property)

• Hourly Pay: £Negotiable
• Location: Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in the office)
• Job Type: Full time, Interim

Join our Corporate Legal Team within the Legal Services (Governance) Department and contribute to providing high-quality legal advice focused primarily on property-related matters. This role is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, has a strong understanding of property law, and is committed to supporting the efficient operation of local government legal services.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Property & Legal Work:

  • Handle routine property transactions such as buying, selling, and leasing land or buildings.
  • Manage other routine legal matters related to local government including statutory orders, environmental issues, and sectors like Adult Social Services and Education.

• Advice & Support:

  • Provide clear and accurate legal advice across various areas of the Council’s work.
  • Work closely with internal clients to deliver responsive and cost-effective services.

• Professional Practice:

  • Stay updated with changes in law and local government practices.
  • Utilize the legal team’s ICT systems effectively and deliver training to colleagues and other Council staff as required.

• Service Improvement:

  • Assist in reviewing and improving systems, processes, and ways of working.
  • Follow office procedures and provide statistical or management information when needed.
  • Undertake additional tasks at a similar level within Legal Services as required.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Qualifications:

  • Member of the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) or equivalent, or due to become a member within 6 months – Essential.

• Experience:

  • Minimum of 6 months’ experience working as a practising lawyer – Essential.
  • Experience in advocacy (Courts/Tribunals) – Desirable.
  • Experience working within Local Government – Desirable.

• Skills:

  • Ability to work well under pressure – Essential.
  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal) – Essential.
  • Ability to organise and prioritise workload – Essential.
  • High-level legal skills – Essential.

• Knowledge:

  • Understanding of property law and conveyancing processes – Essential.
  • Knowledge of Land Registry procedures – Desirable.

• Personal Qualities:

  • Confident and professional demeanor.
  • Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Good awareness of equality issues.
  • Commitment to modern, effective local government and continuous improvement.
  • IT literate with a flexible and proactive (“can-do”) attitude.

Benefits:

• Competitive hourly rate.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangement.
• Opportunity to work within a dynamic team and contribute to significant projects.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.

To apply for this Legal Officer (Property) position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications.