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- Tasks: Lead legal reforms in residential leasehold and private rented sectors, shaping policies for millions.
- Company: Join the Government Legal Department, the largest provider of legal services across UK government.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a civil service pension, and a supportive environment for skill development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing laws while working on high-profile cases that matter to citizens.
- Qualifications: Must have expertise in landlord-tenant law or residential leasehold, with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: This is a unique chance to influence significant legal changes in a dynamic team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Government Legal Department (GLD) is the largest provider of legal services across government, working on high profile matters that are frequently scrutinised in Parliament and the media. From energy to security, health to human rights, we help the Government deliver life changing law for citizens.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is dedicated to changing and improving lives in the UK. It is central to mission-driven government. We guide on decisions relating homelessness, affordable housing, regeneration, community integration and cohesion. Plus, leading on efforts to give more power and simpler funding systems to local councils.
Our Housing and Land team supports the MHCLG with a busy and exciting portfolio of work, and the Building Safety and Inquiries team was set up in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire. Its lawyers provide support relating to the litigation that followed the public inquiry, and advise on policy development in building safety and the remediation of safety defects in residential buildings.
Two roles
You’ll be an expert in either residential leasehold law or law relating to the private rented sector, and a good understanding of public law would be desirable.
Reforming leasehold has been a long-standing government commitment and remains a top ministerial priority. We’re seeking senior lawyers with residential leasehold expertise to lead the next phase of legal reform, including strengthening commonhold as a viable alternative. This is a unique opportunity to shape legal and policy change affecting millions of homeowners.
We’re also delivering major reform of the private rented sector (PRS), with lawyers currently taking the Renters’ Rights Bill through Parliament — a once-in-a-generation overhaul. We’re looking for senior lawyers with PRS experience to lead on implementing these reforms and support wider PRS policies and programmes.
About you
To be a success in one of these roles, you’ll have superb skills in leadership, effective decision-making, communicating and influencing, and managing a quality service. You’re confident thinking both strategically and creatively. Even under time constraints, you’ll have excellent powers of analysis and sound legal judgment and can offer risk-based advice. Your client care skills are matched with excellent communication.
You’ll be an established lawyer with practical experience of landlord and tenant law in the private rented sector. Alternatively, your experience lies in advising on leasehold disputes and leasehold management issues. For both roles, it would be preferable for you to have a sound understanding of public law.
The ability to coach, supervise and provide pastoral care to junior members of the team would be a bonus, as would the skills to contribute to the wider running of the division. In addition, any experience of drafting statuary instruments, advising on Bills, multi-tasking in a busy and diverse team, and prioritising when faced with competing deadlines would be desirable.
GLD encourages its people to develop their skills in a nurturing environment. Other benefits include access to a valuable civil service pension and flexible working arrangements.
Our vision is to be an outstanding legal organisation and a brilliant place to work where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. This is an exciting time for GLD, with cutting edge legal work on global issues and a transformation agenda which is ensuring the Department exemplifies the Modern Civil Service.
Closing date for applications: Noon at 25 July2025.
Apply by clicking on the \’A pply Button\’ below
Associate
Barrister
Chartered Legal Executive
In-House Counsel
Lawyer
Legal Counsel
Partner
Senior Solicitor
Solicitor
Practice Area
Conveyancing – commercial
Conveyancing – residential
Government relations and public policy
Housing
Landlord and Tenant
Local Government
Planning
Property Development and Regeneration
Public Law
Real Estate
Residential Property
Social Housing
Social Welfare and Housing
4-6 years
7-9 Years
Partner
Sector
Public sector
Type of Practice
Public sector
Location
Leeds, West Yorkshire
Salary Bracket
Employee Benefits
Bonus and Pension
Bonus scheme
Flexible working hours
Healthcare
Income Protection
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Season ticket loan
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Senior Property Lawyers employer: GLD
Contact Detail:
GLD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Property Lawyers
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in residential leasehold law and the private rented sector. Understanding current reforms, such as the Renters’ Rights Bill, will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the legal field, especially those working within government legal departments or housing law. Attend relevant seminars or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities in this area.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership and mentoring experiences in detail. The role requires strong leadership skills, so think of specific examples where you've successfully guided junior lawyers or contributed to team development.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on public law principles, as a sound understanding is desirable for this position. Consider reviewing recent case law or government policies that intersect with housing law to showcase your analytical skills and legal judgement.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Property Lawyers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Property Lawyer position. Familiarise yourself with the Government Legal Department's work, especially in relation to residential leasehold law and the private rented sector.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in landlord and tenant law, leasehold disputes, and public law. Emphasise your leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and any experience in coaching or supervising junior team members.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the role and the impact you wish to make. Discuss your understanding of the current legal reforms in the housing sector and how your expertise aligns with the GLD's mission.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at GLD
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the specific responsibilities of a Senior Property Lawyer within the Government Legal Department. Familiarise yourself with current issues in residential leasehold law and the private rented sector, as well as the ongoing reforms like the Renters’ Rights Bill.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading teams and managing projects. Be prepared to discuss examples where you've successfully coached or supervised junior lawyers, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you approach legal challenges strategically. Think about times when you've had to analyse complex legal issues under pressure and how you provided risk-based advice to clients.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain complex legal concepts in simple terms, as you may need to influence stakeholders who are not legally trained.
