At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on property and contracts while managing a varied caseload.
- Company: Local authority offering a supportive and collaborative legal environment.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team at the Civic Centre in Esher.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified legal professional with experience in property law and contract matters.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
3 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
The Legal Officer (Property & Contracts) provides legal advice and support on a broad range of property and contract matters, assisting the Head of Legal & Governance, Principal Lawyer, and wider Legal Team in delivering an effective in-house legal service. The role focuses on property transactions, commercial contracts, and asset management while ensuring legal compliance, managing risk, and supporting the Council's corporate objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice and support on property matters, including conveyancing, commercial property, estate management, corporate landholdings, and other property transactions.
- Draft, review, negotiate, and approve legal documentation relating to property transactions, commercial property, and contracts.
- Advise on contracts, statutory orders, and associated legal matters where required.
- Manage a personal caseload effectively under the supervision of the Principal Lawyer, ensuring compliance with professional and corporate standards.
- Advise the Council on legal risks associated with property transactions and related matters.
- Support the Asset Management and Property Services Team by providing practical, commercially focused legal advice.
- Advise on common land, open space management, and other land-related legal issues.
- Assist with Information Governance matters, including Freedom of Information and Data Protection requests.
- Work collaboratively within the Legal Team, providing support across the service as required and contributing to departmental objectives.
Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor, Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX), Licensed Conveyancer, or equivalent legal qualification, or substantial relevant legal experience.
- Experience advising on property law, conveyancing, commercial property, and contract matters.
- Strong drafting, negotiation, and legal research skills.
- Experience managing a varied legal caseload and delivering practical legal advice to internal stakeholders.
- Knowledge of local government legal practice is desirable.
- Understanding of commercial contracts, land transactions, asset management, and property law.
- Familiarity with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Data Protection Act 2018.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle.
Additional Information
- Location: Civic Centre, Esher (Hybrid Working)
- Hours: Full-time (36 hours per week)
- Pay: Bi-weekly payments
Legal Officer - Property and Contracts in Esher employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
As a Legal Officer with a local authority, you will be part of a supportive and collaborative work culture that values professional growth and development. The role offers the unique advantage of hybrid working from the Civic Centre in Esher, allowing for a balanced work-life dynamic while contributing to meaningful community objectives. With opportunities to engage in diverse property and contract matters, you will play a vital role in ensuring legal compliance and managing risks, making this an excellent employer for those seeking impactful and rewarding legal work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Officer - Property and Contracts in Esher
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Civic Recruitment Limited does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Civic Recruitment Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Officer - Property and Contracts in Esher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Civic Recruitment Limited and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Legal Officer - Property and Contracts role at Civic Recruitment Limited. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Civic Recruitment Limited.