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- Tasks: Lead a team on 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 in local governance and shape strategic policy.
- Qualifications: Qualified legal professional with significant property law experience.
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.
Principal Lawyer- Property in Slough employer: LAW Absolute
Contact Detail:
LAW Absolute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer- Property in Slough
✨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 makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in landlord & tenant matters and planning agreements.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities waiting for you. Don’t miss out on the chance to join a forward-thinking team that values your expertise in property law.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer- Property in Slough
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 managing 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’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
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, planning agreements, and compulsory purchases. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but have a deep understanding of the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led and developed legal colleagues in the past. Highlight your management experience and any strategies you've used to foster collaboration and excellence within your team.
✨Prepare for Complex Case Discussions
Expect to dive into discussions about high-impact casework. Think of specific cases you've handled that demonstrate your advocacy skills and ability to navigate contentious matters. Being able to articulate your thought process and decision-making will impress the interviewers.
✨Understand Local Government Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with local government law and governance, especially as it relates to the East London Borough. Showing that you understand the unique challenges and opportunities in this environment will set you apart from other candidates.