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
Contact Detail:
South Ayrshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor (Property and Contracts) - County Buildings, Ayr - SOA12273 - SOA12273
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in local authorities or property law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local authority practices. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in property law and how they impact community services. This will show you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that solicitor role! We love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission to serve the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor (Property and Contracts) - County Buildings, Ayr - SOA12273 - SOA12273
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in commercial conveyancing and how it aligns with the role. We want to see how your skills can make a positive difference in our communities!
Show Your Passion for Public Service: Let us know why you’re motivated by public service! Share examples of how you’ve made an impact in previous roles, as we’re keen on candidates who are driven to help our communities thrive.
Highlight Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves regular engagement with various stakeholders, emphasise your excellent verbal and written communication skills. We need someone who can convey complex legal concepts clearly and effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, make sure your email provider accepts messages from noreply@myjobscotland.gov.uk to avoid missing any updates.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Ayrshire Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your commercial conveyancing knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the specific property laws and regulations relevant to the role, as well as any recent changes in legislation that could impact local authorities.
✨Show Your Passion for Public Service
Demonstrate your motivation for working in the public sector. Be ready to discuss how your skills can positively impact the community and contribute to the Council's goals. Share examples of past experiences where you've made a difference.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to explain complex legal concepts in simple terms, as you’ll need to engage with various stakeholders across the Council.
✨Be Flexible and Open-Minded
The role requires adaptability across different areas of local authority practice. Be prepared to discuss your willingness to broaden your experience and how you can contribute to projects beyond just property law.