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- 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 lifestyle discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with substantial experience.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative journey as we move to new unitary councils in 2027.
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 transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Locations
Principal Property Lawyer in Reigate, Surrey 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 Reigate, Surrey
✨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 researching the Council's recent projects and challenges in property law. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Property Lawyer. Highlight your leadership skills and ability to manage complex cases effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our awesome benefits.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Property Lawyer in Reigate, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your substantial experience in property law. We want to see how your 5 years PQE or equivalent makes you the perfect fit for leading our team and tackling complex property matters.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to reflect the specific skills and behaviours we’re looking for, like your stakeholder management skills and ability to provide strategic advice. This will help us see how you align with our needs.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the requirements of the role. This shows us you can communicate effectively, which is key in this position.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there.
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 about examples from your past where you've successfully managed a team or project. Be ready to share how you motivate others and handle challenges within a team setting.
✨Understand Stakeholder Management
This role requires strong stakeholder management skills. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with clients at all levels and provided clear, solutions-focused advice. Think of specific instances where your advice made a significant impact.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Prioritisation
The ability to manage competing priorities is crucial. Be ready to talk about how you've handled urgent matters in the past, especially when faced with tight deadlines. Highlight your organisational skills and how you ensure client needs are met efficiently.
