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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.
Principal Lawyer- Property in 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 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 stand out during interviews and demonstrate your capability to handle complex matters.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your advocacy skills! Since this role involves providing authoritative advice and representing the organisation at hearings, make sure you're comfortable speaking in public and defending your positions confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer- Property in 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. Share your passion for property law and how your previous experiences have prepared you to lead a team in a dynamic environment like ours.
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills: Since strong advocacy skills are crucial for this position, make sure to include examples of your experience in handling contentious matters. We want to know how you've successfully navigated complex legal challenges in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at LAW Absolute
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your property law knowledge, especially around landlord and tenant matters, planning agreements, and compulsory purchases. Being able to discuss recent case law or changes in legislation will show that you're not just experienced but also current.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Lawyer, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to talk about your management experience. Share specific examples of how you've mentored colleagues or handled complex cases, and highlight your collaborative approach to working with different departments.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills in high-stakes situations. Think of a few challenging cases you've worked on and be ready to explain your thought process, the risks involved, and how you influenced decision-making.
✨Practice Your Advocacy
Since advocacy is a key part of this role, consider doing some mock interviews where you can practice articulating your arguments clearly and confidently. This will help you feel more at ease when discussing contentious matters during the actual interview.