Lawyer (Property)

Guildford Borough Council; Godalming, Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority in England is seeking an experienced Property Lawyer to join their Legal Services team. The ideal candidate will provide high-quality legal advice and support on various property-related matters, including commercial leases and conveyancing. Responsibilities include managing a varied caseload, drafting agreements, and attending council committees. The role is part-time (18 hours per week) and offers a competitive benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Hybrid and agile working policies

Professional development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Employee assistance scheme

Membership of Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate.
• Strong experience in property law, ideally in local government or public sector.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver timely legal advice on property law matters.
• Manage a varied caseload, including property transactions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal agreements and documents.
• Attend council committees and provide legal guidance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation and case law.

Skills

Strong experience in property law

Excellent drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to manage a high-volume caseload

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

Lawyer (Property)

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Property Lawyer to join our Legal Services team, supporting both Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council. This is a fantastic opportunity to work on a diverse range of property‑related legal matters and contribute to projects that make a real difference in our communities.

You will provide high‑quality legal advice and transactional support across all property matters, including commercial leases, conveyancing, housing, Right to Buy, shared ownership, and other areas of council business. The role involves both contentious and non‑contentious work, attending committees and working groups. You will advise officers and members at all levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver timely, accurate legal advice on property law and related matters.
• Manage a varied caseload, including property transactions and housing‑related issues.
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal agreements, notices, and other documents.
• Attend council committees and working groups, providing legal guidance (including occasional evening meetings).
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant legislation and case law.
• Support and mentor junior colleagues within Legal Services.

About You

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate or equivalent experience.
• Strong experience in property law, ideally within local government or public sector.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a high‑volume caseload and prioritise effectively.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build trusted relationships.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

Why Join Us?

• Work on meaningful projects that impact local communities.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits package.

This is a permanent, part‑time role, 18 hours per week.

Closing date for applications: 2 January 2026.

Interview date: TBC.

In return for your valued contribution, we can offer you a competitive benefits package which includes hybrid and agile working policies, training and development opportunities, generous annual leave and flexi‑time, free onsite parking, an employee assistance scheme and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

We are an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and post‑holders to share this commitment. We have robust systems in place for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers.

We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving or ex‑members of the armed forces and their partners. We offer an interview scheme for serving and ex‑military forces members when they meet the essential criteria for the role.