Property Lawyer

We encourage applicants who are neurodivergent or disabled to apply for this inclusive role.DescriptionRole purpose:To undertake the full range of Conveyancing Work of the Council and to assist In the provision of an efficient and cost effective legal service to the Council and its Departments.Job DescriptionPeople ManagementNo direct supervisory responsibility however may be requirement to assist in induction and training of peers and new employees and to advise, train and support the other members of the team.Resident & Community ContributionTo demonstrate understanding of the Council’s Customer Care Standards and ensure that these standards are met in order to deliver the Council vision of ‘putting our residents first’.Operational Service DeliveryConduct of complex and large acquisitions and disposals by agreement and under compulsory purchase powers as well as smaller and routine conveyancing work.Deal with the Conveyancing aspects of sales to Council tenants and all Agreements and Charges with and to the Housing Associations.Ensure the relevant authority has been obtained prior to the completion of every transaction.Undertake correspondence relating to easements, boundaries, restrictive covenants etc., and consult as appropriate with Groups, other parties, barristers and solicitors on related matters.Set the detailed programme for the Property Aspect of Compulsory Purchaser Orders and to ensure all related work is undertaken within the relevant timescale, including the proper scrutiny of objections received, the sealing of the approved order, drafting of notices and advertisements etc. and shall include:-Deal with all objections received negotiating as required with a view to an agreement to withdraw objections, to prepare recommendations relating to evidence required for Inquires and to prepare proofs evidence for approval by barristers.Supervise preparation of all documents and carry out research into the law and facts required for Inquires.Prepare statement of reasons, draft and serve notices for Inquiry for entry on land, ensuring possession of land according to target date.Consult and liaise with all relevant parties where appropriate in relation to the resettlement of displaced tenants and occupiers and to deal with any resultant compensation claims.Undertake special projects as directed.Have conduct of cases in Courts, Tribunals etc. and appear on behalf of the Council.To prepare and serve all Notices required under Part II Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.Service Planning & DevelopmentMaintain knowledge of the current Team Plan and understanding of own contribution in order to ensure delivery of this plan.Assist in the development of policy in relation to functional area.Financial & Resource ManagementTo demonstrate cost-consciousness and identify any cost effective changes to own way of working.Continuous ImprovementTo identify and suggest any improvements to current ways of working in order to deliver a more efficient and effective service for customers.ContactsInternal: All officers from Director level and Members of the Council.External: Members of Parliament, Members of the Public, Courts, Government Agencies, outside Solicitors, Barristers, Consultants etc.Additional ResponsibilitiesComplete other reasonable tasks in order to fulfil role purpose or as required by management.KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORSDelivery of PADA objectivesQUALIFICATIONSTo be an admitted Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and have a right of audience in all Proceedings in the County Court or be about to gain such a right of audience.EXPERIENCERecent experience of advocacy in the County Court.Recent experience of advocacy in the Magistrates' Court.Experience of dealing with all aspects of commercial property workExperience of dealing with all aspects of residential property workExperience of working in Local GovernmentKNOWLEDGE & SKILLSExcellent communication skills both oral and written with the ability to explain issues clearly, objectively and in a personable manner.To express opinions and ideas in a logical and persuasive manner.To debate legal points in a pragmatic and impartial way.Advocacy skills.Knowledge of Housing law.Detailed knowledge of the Civil Court Procedures.Knowledge of recent relevant legislation/government proposalsAbility to anticipate problems and find a solution to them.COMPETENCIES“Can do” positive attitudeDemonstrates a commitment to changing work practices and processes, and a willingness to try new ways of working or thinking.Takes responsibility and delivers resultsAdapts to changing demands to ensure that objectives are met, overcoming problems and making well considered decisions.To work to tight deadlines.Team workingActs as a role model to others in the team, sharing knowledge and experience when necessary, whilst respecting and valuing the contribution other team members’ experiences can bring.To work constructively and co-operatively with other members of staff at all levels.CommunicationDemonstrates well developed, listening, written and verbal communication skills; and the confidence to present reports and verbal accounts credibly to a variety of different audiences.Customer CareDevelops contacts and relationships with customer/ client groups, regularly reviewing service delivery and taking responsibility to ensure quality service provision.Takes ownership of personal developmentTakes action to develop own and others' capability and knowledge by promoting and supporting developmental opportunities to improve performance.

Created: 2025-08-01