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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, professional development, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a transformative local authority and drive excellence in legal services.
- 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.
To register an interest in the role, please send an updated CV to zalex@lawabsolute.com
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 City of London employer: LAW Absolute
Contact Detail:
LAW Absolute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer - Property in City of 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
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your advocacy skills. Be ready to discuss complex cases you've handled and how you’ve influenced decision-making in previous roles. Show them you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values and expertise. Use our website to find roles that excite you and match your skills in property and planning law.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and reinforces your professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Property in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored 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, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their passion for property law and how they can contribute to our forward-thinking team.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your previous management experience. We’re looking for someone who can mentor and develop others, so share examples of how you’ve successfully led teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at LAW Absolute
✨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, easements, and planning agreements. 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 how you've successfully led and mentored others in the past. Highlight your management experience and how it has shaped your approach to complex casework.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Think about some high-risk matters you've handled and be ready to discuss them in detail. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, demonstrating your strategic thinking and risk assessment skills.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t forget that interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team’s current projects or the local authority's recent transformations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.