Property Lawyer

Reading Borough Council

17d ago

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Mid & Senior Level
Legal
Reading

Requirements

Have sound knowledge and experience of commercial and/or residential property law and practice, (preferably in local government or the public sector).
Have experience of dealing with complex and routine commercial and/or residential property matters.
Be able to advise and support the Council’s various departments and colleagues on a range of property, landlord & tenant and development work including acquisitions, disposals, leases, property development and regeneration projects, land law and practice within the context of local government or public sector (private practice experience will also be considered).
Be confident in managing mixed property caseload.
Be able to support junior colleagues within the team.
Be a team player willing to contribute to the wider objectives of the team.
Have excellent communication, and relationship building skills.
Be able to work to tight deadlines and remain calm under pressure; and be committed to learning and development targets.
Be able to use a case management system and electronic research tools efficiently and effectively and be administratively self-sufficient.

Responsibilities

You will manage a range of commercial and residential property matters – which will include sales and acquisitions, development agreements, leases, licenses, easements, landlord and tenant matters (some of which will be complex and high-profile matters).
You will have the opportunity to play a key role in helping the Council’s various departments achieve their portfolio objectives and you will also be to share your expertise with clients and colleagues.
You will have a varied case load and will need to be able to juggle multiple priorities.
Our customers rely heavily on the team to help deliver the Council’s objectives, so this is a thriving and growing team working for various departments in the Council.
Whatever your specialism or previous experience, you will thrive on the challenge of working in a customer-focussed environment and a team which has an ambitious agenda for the future.
You will have plenty of opportunity to join in the wider work of the Corporate Legal Team outside your specialist field in helping us to reach our team and service objectives.
We place considerable emphasis on learning and development in the role and you will be supported to develop your skills and to move to the next level in your career.
You will also be assisted by our Legal Operations Team who will support you in delivering your work as we invest further in our systems and processes and work towards Lexcel accreditation.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

FAQs

What type of employment contracts are available for this position?

The position is available as a full-time permanent contract or a fixed-term contract for up to 18 months.

What is the role of the Property Lawyer at Reading Borough Council?

The Property Lawyer will manage a range of commercial and residential property matters, including sales and acquisitions, development agreements, leases, licenses, easements, and landlord and tenant matters.

What qualifications are required for this role?

The ideal candidate must be a fully qualified solicitor, barrister, or CILEX with significant post-qualification experience in property law.

Is experience in local government preferred for this position?

Yes, experience in local government or the public sector is preferred, but private practice experience will also be considered.

What kind of support will I receive in this role?

You will report to the Senior Property Lawyer, who will support you in your work and professional development. Additionally, the Legal Operations Team will assist you in delivering your work.

What opportunities for career development are available?

The role emphasizes learning and development, and you will be supported to develop your skills and advance to the next level in your career.

What benefits are offered with this position?

Benefits include a generous holiday entitlement, flexible working opportunities, participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme, life assurance, on-site day nursery, and a lease car salary sacrifice scheme, among others.

What is the expected workload for this position?

You will manage a varied caseload and be required to juggle multiple priorities while delivering high-quality legal advice and representation.

What is the closing date for applications?

The closing date for applications is 16th March 2025.

How can I get more information about this role?

For more information on this position, you can contact Shaidah Ramzan, Legal Services Manager, at Shaidah.Ramzan@Reading.gov.uk.

Are there any specific skills required for this position?

Yes, candidates should have sound knowledge of property law, be confident in managing mixed property caseloads, and possess excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Will I be required to work in the office, and if so, where?

Yes, you will work in a hybrid environment that includes office working in central Reading as well as homeworking based on the needs of the service.

Is there an emphasis on teamwork in this role?

Yes, teamwork is highly valued, as the role requires collaboration with colleagues and partners to achieve the Council's objectives.

Can I expect to engage with senior leaders in this role?

Yes, you are expected to engage constructively and positively with senior leaders to drive performance and contribute to the Council's success.

Reading Borough Council

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Government

Industry

1001-5000

Employees

Mission & Purpose

Reading Borough Council - providing services for residents of Reading Borough. One of the fastest growing towns in the UK, Reading’s forward momentum is remarkable. Transport connections are excellent with exceptional access to Heathrow, central London and beyond. Around an already thriving retail heart, our new Abbey business quarter has opened up a hidden heritage gem in the middle of Reading, and we’re committed to enhancing our cultural infrastructure. We’ve the 7th highest employment rate in the UK, the working population is the 6th most well-educated, and the average weekly salary is 18% above the national average. Extensive new housing of all tenures (including through our own housing company), and a flourishing university complete the picture for inward investors. We’re proud that the Council, through our Team Reading approach, is driving much of this transformation. We are determined to ensure that our growth is good growth: low carbon, sustainable and - most important of all - to the benefit of local people.