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 robust 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 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 high-quality legal services in a supportive and inclusive environment. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our flexible working arrangements, comprehensive benefits including the Local Government Pension Scheme, and a strong focus on diversity and inclusivity. This role not only offers the opportunity to lead and mentor a talented team but also to influence public sector legal practices that make a real difference in the community.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Property Lawyer
✨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 to reach 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 UK Property Law and the specific challenges faced by local councils. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to property law to show you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Principal Lawyer, you’ll need to manage a team effectively. Be ready to discuss your experience in guiding and developing staff during interviews. Highlight any successful projects where you’ve led a team to success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our well-established Legal Practice.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Property Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in UK Property Law and management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Principal Property Lawyer, you’ll be managing a team. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any previous experience in supervising or mentoring others. We love to see how you can inspire and develop your team!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re the right fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 UK Property Law knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss recent developments in the field and how they might impact the role. This shows that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the subject matter.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Property Lawyer, you'll be managing a team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in supervising lawyers and ensuring quality work, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage and develop staff effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios. Think about complex casework you've handled and how you provided legal advice. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Understand the Council's Priorities
Familiarise yourself with Barking and Dagenham’s overarching priorities and how the legal practice fits into them. Being able to articulate how your role can support these goals will show that you're aligned with their vision and ready to contribute positively from day one.
