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- Tasks: Provide legal advice on property matters and support strategic business objectives.
- Company: Network Rail connects passengers and freight, ensuring safe transport across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, 75% rail discounts, flexible working, and a healthcare package.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a diverse team dedicated to safety and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with property law expertise and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and development in a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 45500 - 65000 £ per year.
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Location
York, GB
Department Name
OA Legal Eastern (118611) G4
About Network Rail
Join Our Team at Network Rail!
Vacancy : Legal Counsel (Property)
Location : York (please note, this role is also being advertised to be based at Derby or London)
Salary : £55,596 to £73,296 per annum
Role Type : Permanent, Full time
Are you ready to make a difference in people\’s lives? At Network Rail, we connect passengers and freight customers, ensuring safe and efficient transportation across the country. We\’re an organisation where people truly matter, and when you join us, you matter to us and millions of others. Click here to watch our inspiring video to learn more about us!
We\’re dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we\’re committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here .
Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you\’re passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!
At Network rail you will also have a clear development path with access to training and additional qualifications.
In joining Network Rail, you\’re not only joining an organisation with a vital role to play for the country, but also a team of more than 40,000 people, and a business dedicated to being one of Britain\’s best employers.
Network Rail Benefits – In addition to the above, you can enjoy a fantastic range of employee benefits, such as:
- 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
- 75% discount on rail leisure travel for you and your family
- 75% subsidised Season Ticket for work travel (includes Underground)
- A range of pension options
- Annual Performance Related Pay package
- Flexible and agile working arrangements
- Healthcare package
- Discounts on shopping
- Discounted Gym membershipsand much more.
For the full range of our fantastic benefits click here.
Brief Description
As Legal Counsel (Property) you will provide high quality legal advice aligned to a region or regions within Network Rail. You will have regard to the need for management of corporate legal risk and delivery of legal services to the Company, especially but not exclusively in the areas of real estate and property litigation law.As a strategic business partner of the region you will support the business to achieve its strategic priorities and be integral to the delivery of these aims. With appropriate supervision, you will have a high degree of autonomy in the work you deliver and with the support of experienced colleagues, the Head of Legal and General Counsel for the Region. You will work closely with colleagues across the business, including in respect of frontline railway operations, nationally and politically significant infrastructure projects, major railway enhancements and industry initiatives. As part of a national legal community, you will work cooperatively and collaboratively with other members of the Legal team across the Regions and National functions and support matters on the agenda of the Board.
The role may suit someone with railway specific, or similar industry experience with an emphasis on health and safety; though that experience is not a requirement for the role. Experience of giving Landlord & Tenant advice will be useful.
About The Role (Internal)
Key Accountabilities –
- Supporting and working alongside the Head of Legal (Regions) on complex and/or high value legal matters, with specific emphasis on real estate and property litigation matters.
- Responsible for delivery of legal advice that is business focused, accurate and appropriate, so allowing the company to reduce its risk of exposure and achieve its commercial and business objectives.
- Assisting the Head of Legal (Regions) on the development of both national and regional company policies and processes, and/or training in order to foster a holistic and effective approach to the legal management of Network Rail\’s land asset management.
- Participation in various cross regional project teams advising on legal aspects and problem solving in order to achieve commercial objectives.
- Instruct and supervise external lawyers to support their areas of responsibility, when required.
- Providing regular information and reports of work in progress to the Head of Legal (Regions), as required.
- Contribute actively to a property legal national community of practice.
- Participate in various executive meetings relevant to the Region and provide reports and information to the Head of Legal (Regions), as required.
Essential
- Qualified solicitor or barrister with previous experience.
- Property legal specialist
- Good private practice experience
- In-house experience
- Evidence of being able to identify and minimise corporate legal risk
- Evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills both verbally and in writing.
- Proactive and commercially minded
- Creative problem solver with can do attitude
- Works well under pressure, with the ability to prioritise and handle competing demands.
Desirable
- Experience in a regulated or public sector body environment.
- Experience of planning processes, particularly in the area of obtaining or responding to the applications for new statutory powers for compulsory acquisition, for example, Transport and Works Act 1992 and Planning Act 2008.
Please note: Applicants must provide proof of essential qualifications and/or competencies where required, or demonstrate active progress toward obtaining them, or evidence their applicable experience as a condition of employment.
Essential
About the role (External)
- Qualified solicitor or barrister with previous experience.
- Property legal specialist
- Good private practice experience
- In-house experience
- Evidence of being able to identify and minimise corporate legal risk
- Evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills both verbally and in writing.
- Proactive and commercially minded
- Creative problem solver with can do attitude
- Works well under pressure, with the ability to prioritise and handle competing demands.
Desirable
- Experience in a regulated or public sector body environment.
- Experience of planning processes, particularly in the area of obtaining or responding to the applications for new statutory powers for compulsory acquisition, for example, Transport and Works Act 1992 and Planning Act 2008.
Please note: Applicants must provide proof of essential qualifications and/or competencies where required, or demonstrate active progress toward obtaining them, or evidence their applicable experience as a condition of employment.
Additional Details
How To Apply (External)
External how to apply:
Network Rail welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, marital status (including civil partnerships), pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, transgender status, sex (or gender), employment status, trade union affiliation, or other irrelevant factor.
We are a Disability Confident Leader employer! We will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.
We are here to support you through every step of the recruitment process and to enable you to perform to the best of your ability. If you require any adjustments or modifications please contact Mark Holt (Resourcing Business Partner) at You can also visit Evenbreak\’s Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you\’re unsure of the options available.
We positively embrace flexible working, recognising that employees may wish to balance work with their family and home life.
Network Rail Benefits – To find out about what benefits we offer, click here
Network Rail is required to comply with UK Government standards when carrying out pre-employment checks for all new starters; this includes a basic criminal record check. In addition to the basic criminal record check, in accordance with the UK Government we are also required to verify your identity, right to work in the UK and previous three years employment history.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information . Please ensure you have the appropriate Right to Work status when applying for this role.
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do, safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should be able to demonstrate your personal commitment to safety and awareness of our safety vision .
Network Rail can offer you a rewarding career with competitive pay and excellent benefits including a choice of contributory pension schemes, a generous annual leave package, a bonus scheme and an annual 75% subsidy on season tickets costing up to £3,333 (to a maximum amount of £2,500). You will also be entitled to 28 days annual leave
Salary: £55,596 to £73,296 per annum.
- Employees will be entitled to a 75% discount off leisure travel, this includes off peak and super off peak tickets*
- Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****
Closing date 13 th August 2025. Late applications will not be accepted. We retain the right to close the advert before the listed closing date based on application volumes.
Maximum Salary 73296
Currency
GBP
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Legal
-
Industries
Rail Transportation
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Legal Counsel (Property) employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel (Property)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal frameworks and regulations related to property law in the railway sector. Understanding the nuances of laws like the Transport and Works Act 1992 will give you an edge in discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network Rail values collaboration, so be prepared to demonstrate your ability to work effectively within a team. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated on complex legal matters.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your proactive approach to problem-solving. Prepare to discuss instances where you identified potential legal risks and implemented strategies to mitigate them, as this aligns with the role's focus on reducing corporate legal risk.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Network Rail’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to share how your own values align with theirs, as they are keen on building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities they serve.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel (Property)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a qualified solicitor or barrister, particularly in property law. Emphasise any relevant in-house experience and your ability to manage corporate legal risk.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and how your skills align with Network Rail's mission. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and proactive approach.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with real estate and property litigation. If you have dealt with Landlord & Tenant advice or worked in a regulated environment, make sure to include this.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication is essential for this role, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
As a candidate for the Legal Counsel (Property) role, it's crucial to brush up on property law and real estate litigation. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've successfully navigated legal challenges in these areas.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and concisely. Use examples from your past experiences where effective communication made a difference.
✨Understand Network Rail's Values
Familiarise yourself with Network Rail's commitment to safety, diversity, and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of creating a safe and accessible railway.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Think of examples where you've had to prioritise competing demands or manage corporate legal risks effectively.