Legal Advisor - West Midlands

About Us

Stonegate Group is the UK’s largest operator of pubs, bars, and late-night venues, including Slug & Lettuce, Be At One, and Popworld, to name a few. We’re proud of our diverse portfolio and deeply committed to creating an inclusive culture that embraces individuality in all its forms—including neurodiversity. By fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported, we reflect the vibrant communities we serve and empower our people to thrive.

The Opportunity

As Legal Advisor, you will provide first class legal advice to both office and field-based colleagues, working in a fast paced and fun environment. The role will require a detailed knowledge of all operational letting agreements, landlord and tenant legislation, leaseholder covenants, termination of letting agreements, court driven possession actions and dispute resolution.

• Dispute Resolution – L&T

• Responsibility for managing in possession disputes in aligned Divisional Business Units and providing direct support to DBU by being a virtual member and attending meetings.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, local authorities and solicitors appointed by the Company.
• Conduct detailed reviews of letting histories, tracing & researching previous tenants’ liability, prepare clear and detailed advice to Operations to assist with commercial considerations in distress situations and exit negotiations.
• Prepare cases summaries and recommendations to Divisional Directors and Regional Managers on pre litigation disputes to promote settlement and avoid litigation wherever possible.
• Preparation of letters before action in relation to in possession debt matters.
• Review and advise on Alternative Dispute Resolution processes on in possession disputes.
• Interpret and advise on contractual terms of head leases and occupational leases.
• Advise on and prepare S146 notices as pre requisite to possession actions.
• Preparation of case files and chronologies and instructions to solicitors in litigation matters appointed by the Group and ensure ongoing management to conclusion including recommendations to settle on commercial terms.
• Review and advise on appropriate use of and execution of peaceable re-entry and supporting Regional Managers in safe execution.
• Prepare and instruct solicitors with instructions on possession actions and managing the cases to conclusion whether by court order recorded by consent or judgement and enforcement by warrant.
• Review and advise on change of control of a corporate tenant and appropriate remedial actions.
• Attend at court, mediation and without prejudice meetings connected with the above as required.

• Dispute Resolution – Debt Recovery (in possession)

• Preparation of and transfer of conduct of debt recovery matters post possession to debt recovery team.
• Advise on, instruct and serve Statutory Demands in relation to in possession debt recovery.
• Review and advise on S17 notices and instruct solicitors if applicable and manage to conclusion.
• Review and advise on reliance on Authorised Guarantee Agreements in context of in possession debt recovery and manage instructions to solicitors where required.
• Advise on reliance of an overriding lease and manage instructions to solicitors where required.
• Review and advise on publican insolvency issues (Liquidation, Administration, CVA, IVA and Bankruptcy).

• Legal - Estate Management, Change of Tenancy and Transition Management

• Instruct solicitors and manage Deed of Surrenders and the lease buyback process on complex matters or where a premium is being paid.
• Advise on and prepare surrender letters and advise Divisional Directors and Regional Managers of mechanics.
• Advise on CST/MSA within Craft Union and prepare surrender and immediate termination letters.
• Prepare and issue TAW termination letters.
• Prepare and issue HMRC de-registration application.

About You

• Confident in using and interpreting information found at Companies House and Land Registry.
• Experience of commercial leases within a fast paced commercial environment.
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage the production of documents critical to the business.
• Experience of timely and accurate updating and maintenance of Company databases.
• Ability to communicate information effectively to a wide range of internal/external contacts.

Desirable experience:

• Knowledge of Company Law.
• Knowledge of the wide variety of leases and tenancies within the Stonegate estate and all covenants contained therein.
• An understanding of the 2016 Pubs Code.
• Dealing with local authorities, professional advisors and having the confidence to challenge.
• Knowledge of share schemes.
• Experience of dealing with HM Land Registry.

What makes Stonegate a great place to work?

At Stonegate, we believe that when you feel your best, you do your best. That’s why we’re committed to supporting the health, happiness, and overall wellbeing of every team member. From lifestyle perks and flexible support to mental health resources, our benefits are designed to help you thrive, both in and out of work.

• 25 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Bonus Scheme.
• Access to discounted Private Medical Insurance through Vitality.
• Exclusive discounts on Dental Insurance.
• Reward Card via the MiXR app, giving you and your friends 25% off food and drinks as well as VIP entry across our Managed Estate.
• Life Assurance which gives access to Help @ Hand.
• Access to your pay early via Stream.
• The Stonegate Xtra portal with access to a wide range of high street discounts and offers.
• Discounted access to David Lloyd membership.
• Award winning Learning & Development programmes to drive your career.

If you have a disability as outlined by the Equality Act 2010 and require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please let us know in advance so that any support, aids or adaptations can be put in place to assist you.