Head of Legal

The business operates across single-family and multi-family build-to-rent homes and is continuing to grow its residential portfolio.

It has significant backing and a lean structure. Its first in-house lawyer will have direct access to senior leadership and the opportunity to shape how legal work is handled across the business.

The Role

This is a broad, initially standalone position. You'll handle day-to-day legal matters while putting the processes and support in place for a growing business. Your work will include:

• Taking the lead on housing and tenancy matters, including possession proceedings, arrears, disrepair, rent challenges and other disputes
• Overseeing tenancy documents, notices, processes and tenancy deposit compliance
• Advising on the Renters' Rights Act, the Housing Act 1988 and other developments affecting residential landlords
• Managing external solicitors and counsel, and deciding which matters to handle in-house
• Drafting and reviewing supplier agreements, NDAs and other commercial contracts
• Developing legal policies, templates, processes and reporting
• Giving practical legal and commercial advice to senior leadership

You'll need to be comfortable remaining hands-on while establishing the legal function. As the business grows, there may be scope to recruit and manage additional legal resource.

Candidate Profile

Applications are welcome from qualified lawyers with around five years' PQE or more. Relevant experience and suitability matter more than a precise PQE level.

You'll need strong experience in residential landlord and tenant law, housing management or tenancy work, including possession proceedings, disrepair and other disputes. Experience advising landlords, housing providers, local authorities or residential operators would be relevant.

You should be confident working independently, making judgement calls and explaining legal risk in commercial terms. Experience improving processes would be useful, as would working knowledge of commercial contracts or employment matters.

You don't need to be a specialist in every part of the remit. Experience of M&A or forward-funding arrangements isn't required.

Salary and Benefits

Salary starts at £85,000, with flexibility depending on experience and seniority. The role includes a benefits package, direct access to senior leadership and the opportunity to establish the legal function. There is also scope for the role and title to develop as the business grows.

For more information, please contact Jack Grant at Thornton Legal on 07538 704 113 or jack@thorntonlegal.co.uk.

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