At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in delivering expert legal advice on property law and manage complex casework.
- Company: Join a well-established Legal Practice aiming for national recognition in public sector best practices.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a comprehensive pension scheme, and 24/7 support for work-life balance.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusivity are at our core; we value all backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while developing your legal expertise in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with experience in UK Property Law and team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Directly accountable to the Head of Legal, the Principal Lawyer will be responsible for the delivery of proactive legal advice and decisions on complex casework in the area of property law within the Barking and Dagenham Legal Practice. The post holder will be accountable for the management of Lawyers, Legal Assistants, and other relevant staff, ensuring the quality of work, work allocation, and provision of guidance, and will support the development of the legal staff within the practice. They will also provide expert research and advice on legal issues and policy to influence the legal practice within the context of overarching Council priorities.
Special requirements for this post:
- You will manage the Property and Planning team and report directly to the Head of Legal, Monitoring Officer within the Legal Practice.
- You will be responsible for delivery of legal advice and casework in the area of Property Law within the Barking and Dagenham Legal Practice.
About you:
- Qualified lawyer (solicitor, barrister, or fellow of CILEx) with experience in UK Property Law and drafting public‑sector agreements for works, services and supplies.
- Ability to provide advice to a range of internal and external clients, including the Council’s trading companies and other public bodies.
- Accountable for the supervision of lawyers and other relevant staff; responsible for ensuring the quality of work and for work allocation, guidance, and development of the legal staff.
- Experience providing oral and written legal advice at the required level, and managing a busy team caseload.
- Ensuring all team work complies with Barking and Dagenham’s Legal Practice Standards Manual, including file reviews, one‑to‑one supervision and Performance, Feedback and Development (PFD) with the team.
- Self‑motivated leader able to direct and allocate work, monitor performance delivery, and build positive working relationships with team members, peers and senior client officers at all levels.
About us:
Our vision is to be a Legal Service that is recognised nationally as best practice in the public sector. We have a track record of helping team members develop their professional expertise and are a well-established Legal Practice.
Benefits include:
- Flexible working – you can discuss individual arrangements with your manager.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) – pension, life insurance, and ill‑health retirement benefits.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – 24/7 free, confidential support for work‑life balance.
- Wider Wallet scheme – discounts at supermarkets, travel, holidays, restaurants, cinemas and other national and seasonal offers.
- Diversity and Inclusivity – we promote equality in the workplace and value diversity from all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ community, genders, ages, disabilities, faiths/beliefs and ethnic minorities.
Principal Property Lawyer in London employer: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
As a Principal Property Lawyer within the Barking and Dagenham Legal Practice, you will join a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering exceptional legal services in the public sector. Our commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture ensures that you can thrive both professionally and personally. With access to comprehensive benefits, including the Local Government Pension Scheme and an Employee Assistance Programme, we prioritise your well-being and career growth in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Property Lawyer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other legal professionals, especially those in property law. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current property law issues. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the Barking and Dagenham Legal Practice. Show them you’re not just a qualified lawyer, but someone who’s genuinely passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are excited about joining us. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your understanding of our values and how you fit into our vision for best practice in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Property Lawyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in UK Property Law and your ability to manage a team. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Principal Property Lawyer, you'll be leading a team. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. We love to see examples of how you've developed others and ensured quality work.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Make sure your points are easy to understand and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that convey your message effectively without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our values and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
✨Know Your Property Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK Property Law, especially the nuances that apply to public-sector agreements. Be ready to discuss specific cases or legislation that demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Lawyer, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on work allocation, performance monitoring, and staff development. Highlight your ability to build positive relationships with colleagues.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex legal situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to provide proactive legal advice or manage a busy caseload, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the council's priorities and their vision of being a best practice Legal Service. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to achieving their goals.
