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- Tasks: Lead a team in high-profile property and planning legal matters.
- Company: Dynamic East London Borough with a forward-thinking legal team.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a transformative local authority and shape strategic policy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community development and regeneration projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified legal professional with significant property law experience and management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Lawyer to lead on high‑profile property and planning matters within a forward‑thinking public sector legal team. This role is with an East London Borough and is being offered on a permanent basis. We are seeking a specialist legal professional with deep expertise in areas such as:
- Landlord & Tenant matters
- Easements, wayleaves, leasehold extensions & enfranchisement
- Right to Buy transactions
- Planning and highways agreements (including S106 and S278)
- Compulsory purchase, appropriations & land acquisition/disposal
- Local Government law and governance
This senior role is ideal for someone who thrives on complex, high‑impact casework, providing authoritative advice to senior officers and councillors, and shaping strategic policy across a wide range of development and regeneration projects. Previous management experience is essential.
The Role
As Principal Lawyer, you will:
- Lead and manage a specialist team of lawyers and legal officers
- Act as the organisation’s primary expert in property and/or planning law
- Handle the most complex and high‑risk matters across the caseload
- Provide advocacy at hearings, inquiries, tribunals, and courts
- Draft, negotiate and finalise complex legal agreements
- Advise on governance, probity, policy development and legislative changes
- Work closely with internal departments, external partners, barristers, and consultants
- Support major projects, helping to protect financial and reputational interests
- Contribute to service planning, income generation and continuous improvement
About You
You will be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with:
- Significant experience in property law within a complex environment
- Strong advocacy skills and confidence handling contentious matters
- Proven ability to supervise, mentor and develop legal colleagues
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative working style
- A strategic approach, with the ability to assess risk and influence decision-making
- Previous management experience
- Up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant legislation, case law and local government practice
You will join a supportive, professional legal service where your expertise will be valued and your leadership will help drive excellence across the team. This is a great time to join a local authority that has recently gone through a period of transformation and modernisation. This is a hybrid working role with 2 days per week in the office.
Please note our advertisements use PQE/salary levels purely as a guide. However we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills necessary to fulfil the role.
At LAW Absolute we endeavour to respond to all applications within 48 hours. However due to the volume of applications we receive we may not be able to respond to every candidate individually. If you have not heard from us within a 48 hour timeframe your application has not been successful and your details have not been retained. LAW Absolute acts as an employment business for temporary recruitment and as an employment agency for fixed term contract and permanent recruitment.
Principal Lawyer- Property in London employer: Law Absolute Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Law Absolute Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer- Property in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in property law. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past cases and achievements in property law. This will help you demonstrate your skills during interviews and make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in high-profile property matters.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our forward-thinking team in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer- Property in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in property law and management. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Principal Lawyer role.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on detailing your experience with complex casework and high-profile matters. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their deep knowledge in areas like landlord and tenant issues, planning agreements, and local government law.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and qualifications stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our forward-thinking legal team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Law Absolute Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Property Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on all the key areas of property law mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with landlord and tenant matters, planning agreements, and compulsory purchases. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the topics but can also provide authoritative advice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to share examples of your previous management experience. Talk about how you've mentored colleagues or led projects, and highlight your collaborative working style. This will demonstrate that you can lead effectively within a supportive legal service.
✨Prepare for Complex Case Discussions
Expect to discuss high-impact casework during the interview. Think of specific examples where you handled complex legal matters, especially those that required strategic thinking and risk assessment. This will help you illustrate your problem-solving skills and ability to influence decision-making.
✨Practice Your Advocacy Skills
As advocacy is a crucial part of this role, consider preparing a brief overview of a past hearing or tribunal you were involved in. Be ready to explain your approach and the outcome. This will showcase your confidence and ability to handle contentious matters effectively.