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- Tasks: Provide legal advice on property matters and lead a team of lawyers in exciting projects.
- Company: Join the South London Legal Partnership, serving diverse local communities.
- Benefits: Inclusive environment, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of regeneration and high-profile transactions across multiple boroughs.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with local authority experience and strong management skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic legal team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Principal Commercial Property Lawyer role at London Borough of Merton.
About SLLP
Founded in 2011, the South London Legal Partnership (SLLP) is the in‑house legal service for the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and the London Boroughs of Merton, Richmond upon Thames, Sutton and Wandsworth. SLLP is committed to being a high‑performing shared legal service which plays an essential part in the achievement of the priorities and objectives of our five local authorities for the benefit of their communities. The partnership has 150‑160 staff and a turnover of £14 million. Over 1 million people are represented by the constituent councils.
Role Summary
We are keen to recruit a qualified lawyer with excellent skills and experience in dealing with a diverse local authority property portfolio, especially those with good exposure to property development in a regeneration context and complex commercial asset management. This role provides superb opportunity to get involved with a range of exciting and interesting property matters. Reporting into the Assistant Head of Law for this area, you will be part of a friendly and collegiate in‑house team and will be involved with regeneration and project work including public/private partnership arrangements, development agreements, commercial property matters, and often dealing with high value and high‑profile transactions. This role puts you at the heart of delivering major initiatives across all Boroughs, providing sharp, reliable legal support every step of the way. You’ll be the go‑to expert for clear, timely legal and constitutional advice to the Council, Committees, Elected Members, and senior leaders—so solid local government experience is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide clear, timely legal and constitutional advice to the Council, Committees, Elected Members, and senior leaders.
- Lead a small team of lawyers, guiding their work while juggling priorities, setting direction, and keeping deadlines on track.
- Involved with regeneration and project work including public/private partnership arrangements, development agreements, commercial property matters, and complex commercial asset management.
- Deliver major initiatives across all Boroughs.
Qualifications
- Qualified lawyer with experience in local authority property portfolios and regeneration context.
- Strong management skills and confidence to work independently.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Solid local government experience.
Benefits & Values
SLLP’s Vision & Values include a commitment to improving services through the development of our staff in an inclusive and supportive environment. We aim to attract and retain a workforce which reflects the diverse communities we serve.
How to Apply
If you think you have the skills/experience we are looking for and share the same values, then we want to hear from you. Further information can be found at South London Legal Partnership (join-sllp.com). If you are interested in having a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Brian Gallagher at Brian.Gallagher@penna.com or 07716 098175.
Interview Date
Interviews will be held on 10th February 2026.
Job Details
- Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
- Employment type: Full‑time
- Job function: Legal
- Industries: Government Administration
Principal Commercial Property Lawyer employer: London Borough of Merton
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Merton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Commercial Property Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the London Borough of Merton and SLLP. Understand their priorities and challenges, so you can tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience with property portfolios and regeneration projects clearly and confidently. We want to hear how your skills align with the role of Principal Commercial Property Lawyer.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at SLLP.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Commercial Property Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Commercial Property Lawyer role. Highlight your experience with local authority property portfolios and any relevant regeneration projects. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your solid local government experience – it’s key for us!
Showcase Your Management Skills: Since this role involves leading a small team, be sure to highlight your management skills in your application. Share examples of how you've guided teams in the past and how you handle juggling priorities – we love a good multitasker!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Merton
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on local authority property law and regeneration projects. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities faced by the London Borough of Merton, as well as the broader context of public/private partnerships.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a small team, be prepared to discuss your management style and how you've successfully guided teams in the past. Think of examples where you've set direction and met deadlines while juggling multiple priorities.
✨Communicate Clearly
As you'll be providing legal advice to various stakeholders, practice articulating complex legal concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with Elected Members and senior leaders.
✨Align with Their Values
Research SLLP’s vision and values, and think about how your own experiences align with their commitment to inclusivity and community service. Be ready to share examples that reflect these values during your interview.