Principal Property Lawyer – 5 Month Contract

Location: Surrey County Council
Rate: £65.00 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: 5 Month Contract
Hours: Full Time
Working Pattern: Flexible / Hybrid Working Available
Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

Surrey County Council is on the lookout for a seasoned Principal Property Lawyer to enhance its Legal Services team. This pivotal role involves leading the Property Law division, managing a team of legal experts, and ensuring the delivery of top-tier, cost-effective legal services. The successful candidate will be instrumental in aligning legal strategies with the Council's objectives, offering expert guidance on complex property issues, and driving the development of Legal Services. The role demands collaboration with senior officials, elected members, and external partners to influence service development and support organizational change. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, extensive management experience, and the ability to make strategic decisions within broad legal frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide a team of lawyers and legal support staff in the Property Law service.
• Offer expert legal counsel on intricate property and local government issues.
• Facilitate major property transactions, acquisitions, disposals, and development projects.
• Spearhead service planning, transformation, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Assess legal risks and provide strategic guidance to senior officers and elected members.
• Manage resource allocation, staffing, and external legal expenditures.
• Ensure adherence to Lexcel standards and professional practice requirements.
• Formulate and execute operational plans in line with Council priorities.
• Cultivate strong relationships with clients, partners, developers, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Represent Legal Services in corporate projects, boards, and strategic initiatives.
• Mentor and develop legal staff to promote service excellence and succession planning.

Essential

RequirementsRequirements:

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practice in England and Wales.
• Current practicing certificate from the relevant regulatory body.
• Extensive post-qualification experience in Property Law.
• Proven experience in senior management or leadership roles.
• In-depth knowledge of:
  • Commercial Property
  • Land Transactions
  • Development Agreements
  • Regeneration Projects
  • Local Government Property Law
• Experience in managing legal teams and resources.
• Experience in leading service transformation and change programs.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Experience in budget management and delivering services within financial constraints.

Desirable

• Experience in Local Government legal matters.
• Experience in a Lexcel-accredited practice.
• Experience advising on large-scale regeneration and infrastructure projects.
• Advocacy experience.

What's on Offer?

• £65.00 per hour (Umbrella)
• 5 Month Contract
• Flexible / Hybrid Working
• Bi-weekly Pay
• Opportunity to lead a specialized Property Law team within a major Local Authority.
• Strategic leadership role with significant organizational influence.
• Exposure to complex property, regeneration, and development projects.
• Modern and flexible working environment.

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Principal Property Lawyer, Senior Property Lawyer, Head of Property Law, Commercial Property Solicitor, Property Team Manager, Legal Services Manager, Principal Solicitor (Property), or Local Government Property Law Specialist.