Build Your Property Law Career with Devon County Council

Are you looking for a legal role that offers variety, responsibility and the opportunity to develop your expertise across a wide range of property matters?

Join Devon County Council's highly regarded Property Team and become part of a supportive, forward-thinking legal service delivering work that supports communities, public services and strategic assets across Devon.

Our Property Team manages a diverse portfolio that includes schools, county farms, industrial estates and other Council-owned land and property. The team works on a broad range of matters, from sales and acquisitions to leases, planning agreements and highway-related work, providing an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience across a varied property caseload.

Working within a respected local government legal service, you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of your work while benefiting from the support of knowledgeable colleagues. We pride ourselves on fostering a positive and inclusive culture where ideas are welcomed, achievements are recognised and career development is actively supported. With access to flexible working arrangements, ongoing professional development and a broad spectrum of legal work, you'll be well placed to strengthen your expertise and build a rewarding legal career.

What you’ll be doing?

As a Senior Legal Assistant within the Property Team, you will help ensure property matters progress efficiently and contribute to the successful delivery of the Council's priorities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing your own caseload with minimal supervision, covering matters such as sales and purchases, leases, landlord and tenant issues, highway agreements, planning agreements, traffic regulation orders, statutory notices, deferred payment agreements and other property-related work.
• Preparing, drafting and reviewing a range of legal documents.
• Maintaining accurate records and utilising the legal case management system effectively.
• Providing proactive support to lawyers across the team to ensure matters progress efficiently and clients receive an excellent service.
• Contributing to the smooth and effective operation of a busy and highly respected legal team.

What We're Looking For?

We're looking for a confident and adaptable individual who can build effective working relationships, communicate clearly with a range of stakeholders and maintain a high level of accuracy in their work.

Whether you bring experience of property law or transferable legal skills from another area, you'll have the opportunity to strengthen your knowledge, gain valuable local government experience and contribute to work that makes a real difference across Devon.

What you’ll gain?

This is an opportunity to contribute to legal work that supports vital public services, local communities and strategic Council priorities across Devon. Working as part of a respected and collaborative team, you'll play a meaningful role in delivering practical legal solutions that make a real difference.

Why Devon?

At Devon County Council, you’ll find more than just a job – you’ll discover a career with purpose. We offer:

• Structured Development: Comprehensive training and supervision to help you progress with confidence.
• Opportunities to Grow: Build expertise across diverse areas of public sector law, with clear pathways for professional development.
• A Council with Purpose: Be part of an organisation committed to creating a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon.
• Inclusive and Collaborative Culture: Work in a team that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration.
• Impact That Counts: Make a real difference to communities across Devon through meaningful legal work.

Our offer to you

Working for Devon County Council (DCC) has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer.

In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:

• 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website.
• Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme – available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life.
• Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role).
• Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme.

For an informal discussion please contact
Suzanne Walford suzanne.walford@devon.gov.uk
Michelle Ellis michelle.ellis@devon.gov.uk

How to apply 

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.