At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on property and contracts for the Council.
- Company: Join South Ayrshire Council, dedicated to making a positive community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working environment with strong emphasis on professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with at least three years of conveyancing experience.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a full-time Solicitor to join our Property and Contracts team, supporting the delivery of high-quality, specialist legal advice to Council Services and Elected Members.
This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor with experience in commercial conveyancing—whether from the public sector or private practice—who is looking to develop their expertise in a varied and rewarding in-house role. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates motivated by public service and by making a positive difference to our places and communities.
The role offers a broad and engaging workload. You will take a leading legal role in the Council’s property work, including the sale, purchase, transfer, and leasing of commercial property. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation and contribute to projects that shape the Council’s assets and services. The successful candidate will be entrusted with a high level of responsibility and autonomy, supported by a collaborative and experienced team.
Flexibility and responsiveness to the Council’s priorities are central to our service delivery. The successful candidate will therefore be willing to broaden their experience across other areas of local authority practice as required. This may include planning, contracts and procurement, housing law, data protection, freedom of information, and related areas.
The Council places a strong emphasis on professional development, staff wellbeing, and work–life balance. We support ongoing learning through in-house and external training opportunities, including those provided by SOLAR (Society of Local Authority Lawyers & Administrators).
We offer a competitive employment package, including generous leave entitlements and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
You will be a qualified solicitor, ideally with at least three years’ conveyancing experience. You will be confident working autonomously with limited supervision and have strong IT skills. As the role involves regular engagement with officers and stakeholders at all levels of the Council, excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
South Ayrshire is at the heart of historic Ayrshire, with a wealth of local heritage and culture, first class leisure amenities, world-wide travel links, diverse landscapes and thriving communities. Making a difference for our communities is at the heart of what we do and working with us means you can use your skills, knowledge and experience to help us do just that. We currently employ around 6000 people to serve a population of more than 112,000 people located across a diverse area that includes the towns of Ayr, Girvan, Maybole, Prestwick and Troon as well as small rural villages, coastline and farmland.
We are an ambitious Council, and we aim to place people at the centre of everything we do as we look to deliver the best possible outcomes. We are ambitious for our communities too and our new Council Plan is based on priorities and outcomes that we believe will have the greatest impact on the wellbeing of our communities, our local economy, and our environment.
Here’s what we can offer!
- Competitive salary
- Excellent pension scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement and enhanced leave scheme (purchase of up to 2 weeks’ holidays)
- Wellbeing initiatives and Occupational Health services
- A healthy environment supportive of work-life balance and caring responsibilities
- Car leasing scheme
- Discounts on major supermarkets and retailers, cinemas and gym memberships (including Council leisure facilities)
- Purchase of white goods and more via salary sacrifice
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Scotwest Credit Union
The grade of this post is Level 11. This is a politically restricted post. The work style for this post is Hybrid Worker. The successful candidate will be required to work flexibly between home and the office and the frequency for attending the office may vary depending on the exigencies of the service.
Solicitor (Property and Contracts) - County Buildings, Ayr - SOA12273 - SOA12273 employer: South Ayrshire Council
South Ayrshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where solicitors can thrive while making a meaningful impact on local communities. With a strong emphasis on professional development, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to work-life balance, employees are encouraged to grow their expertise in a variety of legal areas. Located in the heart of historic Ayrshire, the Council provides a unique opportunity to engage with diverse landscapes and vibrant communities, all while contributing to the wellbeing of over 112,000 residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor (Property and Contracts) - County Buildings, Ayr - SOA12273 - SOA12273
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including South Ayrshire Council, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor (Property and Contracts) - County Buildings, Ayr - SOA12273 - SOA12273
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at South Ayrshire Council, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in South Ayrshire Council and the specific role of Solicitor (Property and Contracts) - County Buildings, Ayr - SOA12273 - SOA12273. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for South Ayrshire Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Ayrshire Council
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at South Ayrshire Council.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at South Ayrshire Council.
