£53,976 - £59,417 per annum

Following a recent restructure this is an exciting time for an experience property lawyer to join the Guildford legal team and lead the property legal team.

Providing legal advice and support to the Council as Principal Lawyer (Property) the work will cover a wide range and variety of matters across the Council's diverse property portfolio, including leases, licences, projects, developments and disputes.  You will work closely with the Assets, Parks & Countryside  and Housing teams building on client relationships, managing and taking responsibility for delivering the requirements of the service.  As part of the in-house legal team you will have the opportunity to help to shape the future for Guildford whilst managing, supporting and developing the property legal team to deliver high standards of legal advice and support to teams across the Council in relation to property matters.

As part of the legal team's leadership you will assist in ensuring the team provides a comprehensive, efficient and effective legal service.   Ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, legislation, professional codes of practice and adherence to Council policy. You will deliver updated policies and procedures, projects, interventions and initiatives in conjunction with the team across the Council. 

The legal team at Guildford works closely together sharing knowledge and experience and supporting individuals to grow and develop.  The team regularly holds social events to bring the team together and celebrate their hard work and successes throughout the year.  It is a diverse team with a wide range of experience, and you will have the opportunity to grow and expand your knowledge with the support of the team whilst providing mentoring and guidance to colleagues.    

You must be a qualified solicitor, barrister, legal executive (Fellow) or equivalent with at least three years experience of working in property.  You should have management experience or be able to demonstrate the skills and potential to successfully manage the property legal team. 

Although you will be based from our offices close to Guildford Town Centre we offer flexible working and will consider both full time and part time applications.  

In return, we offer an opportunity to undertake interesting, varied and high profile work, job satisfaction, training and work life balance.  In addition you will be rewarded with an attractive package of staff benefits which includes local government pension scheme membership, flexible work arrangements, remote working, generous leave, tax savings on child care costs, training and development, annual subscription for professional membership to a professional organisation and staff discounts.

For more information about the role, contact Claire Beesly, Legal Services Manager and Deputy Monitoring Officer 01483 444144 and email claire.beesly@guildford.gov.uk.

Closing date: 26 May 2024
Interview date: 30 & 31 May & 3 June 2024

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.