Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team of property lawyers and provide expert legal advice on complex property matters.
- Company: Join Surrey County Council, a forward-thinking local government organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26-31 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with 5+ years' experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth during exciting local government reorganisation.
The predicted salary is between 70975 - 78002 £ per year.
The starting salary for this role is £70,975 to £78,002 per annum depending on experience based on a 36 hour working week. We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Principal Property Lawyer to provide senior-level leadership of our property legal team and expert legal advice on complex and high value property matters. The Council adopts a hybrid working policy with flexible working arrangements which includes access to our offices in Reigate and Weybridge combined with remote or home working. As the manager of the team there is an expectation of office presence and bringing the team together in person.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Role
The team sits alongside other teams in the County's Legal Services. It supports the work of the County in relation to all aspects of land and property management. You will lead and manage a team of property lawyers and be the primary contact for a broad range of legal property (and related) issues to support the Council in the provision of its services.
If you consider yourself to be an effective and dynamic individual, with experience of managing and supervising people and the ability to motivate others whilst working in a team, then you will likely be well suited to this role.
The role will require:
- Experience of leading commercial property legal work
- Strong stakeholder management skills
- Ability to provide strategic, commercially focused and risk-based advice at pace
- An understanding of local government powers and governance and their application to transactional and advisory work
- Flexibility to prioritise workloads and provide commercial and solutions focused advice
- Exemplary client care and organisational skills
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- You are a Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX with substantial experience of the law and practice in this area (5 years+ PQE or demonstrable equivalent) and eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practicing certificate issued by the relevant regulatory authority
- Ability to lead and represent Legal Services and deputise for the Assistant Director
- Experience of managing a team
- Experience of working with clients at all levels and ability to give clear, accurate and solutions focused advice
- Ability to take on urgent, and sometimes unfamiliar, matters at short notice
- Ability to manage competing priorities to achieve client deadlines.
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. This advert closes at 23:59 on 22nd February 2026 with interviews to follow. If you are looking for a role which is both varied and interesting with an opportunity to develop your existing skills and employment experience by working in local government, please click the apply button below to submit your application.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will...
Principal Property Lawyer in London employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Property Lawyer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in property law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local government powers and governance. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements and how you can lead a team effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've managed teams and motivated others. Highlight your ability to provide strategic, commercially focused advice under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Property Lawyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Principal Property Lawyer role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a team, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've motivated and guided others in previous roles – we love to see that!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to demonstrate your expertise and ensure your key achievements stand out. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being considered. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of property law, especially in relation to local government. Be prepared to discuss complex property matters and demonstrate your understanding of the legal frameworks that govern them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Property Lawyer, you'll be leading a team. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed a team or project. Highlight your ability to motivate others and how you handle stakeholder management.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
Prepare to discuss how you've provided strategic, commercially focused advice in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you’ve tackled urgent matters and delivered effective solutions under pressure.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team dynamics, and the Council's approach to property management. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
