Assistant Lawyer - Property

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority is looking for an Assistant Lawyer to join its Legal Services team in Devon. This role involves providing legal advice on property transactions and related legal work, working under the supervision of senior lawyers. Candidates should be qualified solicitors or barristers with experience in property law. The role offers opportunities for structured development, an inclusive culture, and the chance to make a real difference in the community.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus public holidays

Pension contribution

Flexible working arrangements

Structured development opportunities

Qualifications

• Registered with the relevant professional body.
• Experienced in legal work with exposure to property law.
• Able to manage own caseload and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate deeds, contracts, and other documents.
• Provide legal advice on conveyancing and planning law.
• Undertake conveyancing work for various service areas.
• Assist with negotiations and liaise with third-party solicitors.

Skills

Property law experience

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Time management

Education

Qualified solicitors, barristers, or CILEX qualification

Tools

Case management systems

Job description

Salary range : £35,412 - £39,152

Employer Pension contribution : £7,724 – £8,535

Total (Salary + Pension) : £43,136 – £47,687

Relocation packages available for exceptional candidates who meet the relocation criteria

As a full-time permanent employee, you’ll also enjoy 26 days of annual leave plus public and bank holidays, with your entitlement increasing to 31 days after five years’ continuous service. Additional leave purchase options and flexible working arrangements are also available.

Are you a qualified legal professional looking to develop your expertise in property law within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority? Devon County Council is seeking an Assistant Lawyer to join our Legal Services team, with a particular focus on property matters.

About the Role

The Assistant Lawyer Job Description contains generic information, not all of which will be applicable to this role. As an Assistant Lawyer in Property, you will provide legal advice and assistance to the Council and its directorates, with a strong emphasis on property transactions and related legal work. Working under the supervision and guidance of senior lawyers, you will :

• Draft, negotiate, and settle deeds, contracts, applications, and other relevant documents on behalf of the Council, particularly in relation to property matters.
• Provide legal advice to officers and departments on conveyancing, planning law, and other property-related legal issues.
• Undertake conveyancing work for various service areas and offer support and advice to officers on property transactions.
• Assist with negotiations, liaising with counsel, third-party solicitors, and other representatives as required.
• Provide specialist assistance and support to senior team members on complex cases or property transactions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues across the Council.

About You

• Qualified solicitors, barristers, or hold a CILEX professional qualification (or equivalent), and are registered with the relevant professional body.
• Experienced in legal work, with exposure to property law and conveyancing.
• Excellent communicators, both written and verbal, with strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Competent in using Microsoft Office and case management systems, including effective time recording.
• Able to manage their own caseload, work to deadlines, and develop creative solutions quickly.
• Committed to equality, professionalism, and the values of Devon County Council.

Why Devon?

At Devon County Council, you’ll find more than just a job – you’ll discover a career with purpose.

We offer :

• Structured Development : Comprehensive training and supervision to help you meet and retain professional qualifications and progress with confidence.
• Opportunities to Grow : Build expertise across diverse areas of public sector law, with clear pathways for professional development.
• A Council with Purpose : Be part of an organisation committed to creating a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon, guided by our Strategic Plan priorities.
• Inclusive and Collaborative Culture : Work in a team that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration, where your contribution truly matters.
• Impact That Counts : Make a real difference to communities across Devon through meaningful legal work that shapes lives and services.