At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality legal advice on property matters for local councils.
- Company: Join West Oxfordshire District Council, dedicated to enhancing community life and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, health cash plan, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while enjoying a balanced work-life culture.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with 3-5 years in property law.
- Other info: Agile working options available; must have a car for work purposes.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 60000 £ per year.
£50,788 per annum, 37 Hours per week
Permanent
Witney/ Coleford or Cirencester
West Oxfordshire District Council is focused on enabling a fulfilling and meaningful quality of life for our residents with opportunities for all to flourish. We provide a range of important services including planning, housing, waste and recycling collections, leisure, community safety and environmental health.
The Council has an ambitious Council Plan focused on a range of important priorities including putting residents first, climate and ecological action, affordable housing, and helping our economy to grow. We want to deliver excellent services whilst ensuring the financial sustainability of the Council. We also want to continue working in close partnership with our local communities and other important partners.
About the role
You will be a skilled lawyer (Property) with the ability to work autonomously within your area of expertise, delivering high-quality legal services to Cotswold, Forest of Dean, and West Oxfordshire District Councils. With a strong background in property law, you will provide clear and practical legal advice to Council Officers and Members on a range of property matters, including landlord and tenant issues, commercial and residential conveyancing, and wider property transactions and projects.
You will be confident in handling legal casework with minimal supervision, managing complex caseload efficiently. Your expertise, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively will help support the effective operation of the Councils. This is a new role which will cover West Oxfordshire, Cotswold District Council and the Forest of Dean District Council.
You will need
- Fully qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive
- Evidence of and commitment to Continuous Professional Development
- 3-5 years’ experience in property law (including landlord & tenant, commercial and residential conveyancing)
- Experience of time management and task prioritisation to meet inflexible deadlines
- Ability to work promptly under pressure, using initiative and adopting a proactive approach
Special Conditions
- BPSS Check
- There may be a requirement to work at other locations to meet the needs of the business, but the Council supports agile working through home working and flexi-time.
- Expected to work reasonable additional hours in line with the needs of the service
- You will need use of a car for work purposes.
What can we do for you
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
- Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
- 26 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 29 days after five years’ service and 32 days following 10 years’ continuous service
- In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
- Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
- Generous contributory local government pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
These are just a handful of the benefits that you can enjoy when you join us!
If you feel this is the role for you please email your CV and supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria above by clicking on the ‘Apply for this Position’ icon within this page. Alternatively, please email us at join-us@publicagroup.uk or contact the recruitment team.
Your application will not be considered if you have not provided a supporting statement, in addition to your CV.
Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.
Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.
Lawyer Property employer: West Oxfordshire District Council
Contact Detail:
West Oxfordshire District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer Property
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific property laws relevant to the West Oxfordshire, Cotswold, and Forest of Dean areas. Understanding local regulations and recent changes in property law can give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the local legal community. Attend property law seminars or workshops in your area to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in property law.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex casework and how you've managed tight deadlines in previous roles. Be ready to provide examples that showcase your ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research West Oxfordshire District Council's current projects and priorities. Being knowledgeable about their initiatives will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer Property
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Lawyer (Property) position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, such as experience in property law and the ability to manage complex caseloads.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Clearly outline how your experience aligns with the requirements listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your previous work to demonstrate your expertise in property law and your ability to work autonomously.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job requirements. Focus on your qualifications as a Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive, and include any Continuous Professional Development activities that showcase your commitment to the field.
Follow Application Instructions: When submitting your application, ensure you follow the instructions carefully. Include both your CV and supporting statement, and double-check that all documents are attached before clicking 'Apply for this Position' on our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Oxfordshire District Council
✨Know Your Property Law
Brush up on your knowledge of property law, especially landlord and tenant issues, commercial and residential conveyancing. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've applied this knowledge in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Autonomy
Since the role requires working autonomously, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed complex caseloads with minimal supervision. Highlight your time management skills and ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
✨Showcase Collaborative Skills
The position involves working closely with Council Officers and Members. Prepare to discuss instances where you've collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, emphasising your communication and teamwork abilities.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Familiarise yourself with West Oxfordshire District Council's priorities and values. Be ready to articulate how your legal expertise aligns with their goals, particularly in areas like affordable housing and community support.