At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex property transactions and provide strategic legal support on major projects.
- Company: Join Ashford Borough Council, a supportive team focused on public service and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced recruitment payment, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in local government while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with 5+ years' experience in property law.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available for a balanced work-life.
The predicted salary is between 58488 - 63225 £ per year.
Are you a seasoned legal professional with a passion for property law and public service? We are looking for an experienced Senior Property and Projects Lawyer to join our Legal Services team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our borough. This is a high-impact position advising on complex legal matters across the Council’s commercial, residential, and community property portfolios. You will also provide strategic legal support on major development and regeneration projects, working with limited supervision and in close collaboration with senior officers and multidisciplinary teams.
You will be responsible for leading on high-value and complex property transactions including acquisitions, disposals, leases, licences, and development agreements, along with:
- Acting as the Council’s principal legal negotiator in commercial property and development projects.
- Providing legal advice on regeneration initiatives, infrastructure agreements, and land rights.
- Drafting and negotiating robust legal documentation to protect the Council’s interests.
- Supporting corporate governance and attending committee meetings as legal advisor.
- Mentoring junior legal staff and contributing to the continuous improvement of legal service.
To excel in this role it is essential that you are a Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEx with a current or eligible practising certificate, have a minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience, as well as having:
- Strong expertise in land and property law, including commercial landlord and tenant matters.
- Proven track record in complex negotiations and legal drafting.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to advise senior stakeholders.
In addition, you will be competent in managing a varied caseload independently. Experience in planning law, commercial contracts, procurement, company or charity law would be desirable along with an understanding of corporate governance and the role of elected members. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in local government while advancing your legal career. You will be part of a supportive team committed to excellence, innovation, and public service.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Mildred Pountney, Principal Solicitor (Property and Projects) 01233 330265.
Hybrid Working - We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working.
Competitive remuneration package - We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.
Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.
Senior Property and Projects Lawyer in Ashford employer: Ashford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Ashford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Property and Projects Lawyer in Ashford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend local events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interview by researching the Council’s recent projects and initiatives. We want to see how your experience aligns with their goals. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can showcase your expertise in property law and complex negotiations.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Bring your A-game by preparing a portfolio of your past work, especially those high-value transactions you've handled. We love seeing tangible evidence of your skills, so include examples of your legal drafting and negotiation successes to impress the hiring team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, make sure to follow up and confirm your application was submitted successfully. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Property and Projects Lawyer in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in property law and public service. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, especially when discussing your legal expertise.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since this role involves complex negotiations, be sure to include examples of your past experiences in this area. We love to see how you’ve successfully navigated tricky situations and what strategies you employed to achieve positive outcomes.
Follow Up: After submitting your application through our website, don’t forget to check for confirmation! If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at recruitment@ashford.gov.uk. We’re here to help you through the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashford Borough Council
✨Know Your Property Law Inside Out
As a Senior Property and Projects Lawyer, you need to demonstrate your expertise in land and property law. Brush up on the latest developments in commercial landlord and tenant matters, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated complex negotiations in the past.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of high-value property transactions you've led. Highlight your role as a principal legal negotiator and how your strategic advice has positively impacted projects. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of the position with confidence.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Excellent communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing legal concepts. Be prepared to explain how you've effectively advised senior stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Qualities
Since mentoring junior legal staff is part of the job, think about your past experiences in leadership. Share examples of how you've contributed to team development and continuous improvement in legal services, showcasing your commitment to excellence and public service.