Principal Legal Officer - DSO Commercial Property Unit

Staffline Recruitment (NI) Ltd.; Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious public sector organization in Belfast is seeking a Commercial Property Solicitor to provide legal services in public law. The ideal candidate should be a qualified solicitor with at least 5 years of experience. The role offers a competitive hourly rate of £32.05 and involves working with high-value commercial property matters. This opportunity is perfect for experienced legal professionals looking to make an impactful contribution in the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Valuable experience in public law

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience.
• Legal right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and services in commercial property transactions.
• Draft and negotiate commercial leases and agreements.
• Build effective client relationships.

Skills

Conveyancing

Public Sector

Legal Advice

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister eligible to practice in Northern Ireland

Job description

Overview

Commercial Property Solicitor
Location: Belfast
Salary: £32.05 per hour
Duration: Temporary ongoing
Hours: Monday to Friday / 9am - 5.30pm

Why Apply for This Role?

• Competitive hourly rate of £32.05
• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance
• Prestigious public sector opportunity within the Northern Ireland Civil Service
• Exposure to high-value, complex commercial property matters
• Valuable experience in public law, working on behalf of a key government department
• Belfast city centre location - accessible and well-connected

The Opportunity

Staffline is recruiting for a Commercial Property Solicitor to join a major public sector organisation through the Northern Ireland Civil Service. This role offers the chance to work on a broad range of public law property matters, including commercial leases, development agreements, and more. Ideal for experienced legal professionals seeking impactful work in a dynamic legal team.

Key Responsibilities

This is an opportunity to work and develop in a supportive team to deliver client focused legal services to all NICS Departments.

The post-holder will be responsible for delivering, as required:

• Provision of legal advice and services, in a public law context, acting on behalf of Departmental clients in commercial property transactions.
• Dealing with all aspects of commercial disposal and acquisition transactions including providing advice on title queries, boundary issues, adverse possession queries, devolution of title, first registration and Land Registry and Registry of Deeds issues.
• Completing review of title documents, identifying potential title issues and reporting on same to client departments, rectification of title issues to ensure effective first registration of assets at Land Registry for Northern Ireland
• Completing title due diligence and drafting contract and property transfer documentation.
• Drafting and negotiating commercial leases, agreements for lease, commercial development agreements and ancillary construction documentation.
• Advising client Department's on the Business Tenancies (NI) Order 1996.
• Representing clients at the Lands Tribunal for NI.
• Advice on vesting and other related property matters.
• Licenses to Occupy and Use government property.
• Actively working to build effective client relationships and understand client needs and priorities to include attendance at regular client review meetings
• Support the Assistant Director in delivering and forward planning the work of their team.
• Regularly undertake case, time recording and quality assurance procedures.
• Participate effectively in the corporate life of the division, including team briefs, one to ones and training to develop professional skills and knowledge.

Essential Criteria

• Qualified solicitor or barrister eligible to practise in Northern Ireland
• Minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience

Additional Information

• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK
• Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo an Access NI check via Staffline (cost between £16-£32, depending on clearance level)

How to Apply

If you meet the essential criteria and are available for this role, we'd love to hear from you. Submit your CV via the link provided or contact:

Ray McPhillips

Please note: To be shortlisted for this role, all applicants must meet the essential criteria. These roles may be filled quickly; however, your CV will be kept on file for future similar opportunities. Due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to contact unsuccessful candidates.

Skills: Principal Legal Officer, Conveyancing, Public Sector