Property Legal Assistant/Paralegal

Hillingdon Council; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking an experienced Property Legal Assistant/Paralegal to join their dynamic legal team. This role involves handling right to buy, leasehold extensions, and various property matters. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in property law and excellent drafting skills, with opportunities to work collaboratively on significant legal projects. They offer a supportive work environment with flexible hours and a commitment to employee wellbeing.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Discounts at leisure centres

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Cycle to Work

Local Government Pension Scheme

Mental Health Support

Travel Support

Qualifications

• Experience within a Local Authority legal team preferred.
• High attention to detail and track record in decision making.
• Organised individual capable of managing a caseload.

Responsibilities

• Assist in right to buy and leasehold extension projects.
• Provide legal advice on residential and commercial property matters.
• Support property team in various legal processes.

Skills

Property law knowledge

Excellent drafting skills

Client relationship management

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Background in property law

Job description

About the role

Hillingdon is London's second largest borough. Our staff live across Hillingdon and beyond, with our main council offices at the Civic Centre in the heart of vibrant Uxbridge town centre. Putting our residents first is at the heart of everything we do, and we are embarking on an ambitious plan to modernise our service offering, while sustaining the high-quality delivery.

We operate a busy, innovative and dynamic Legal Department, which is committed to providing high-quality, client focused legal services. The team works in close collaboration with our service areas providing a comprehensive support service across a wide range of Council areas including adult and children’s care, planning, housing and litigation.

Key Responsibilities

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Property Legal Assistant/Paralegal to join an exceptional Property, Planning & Contracts legal team.

The main purpose of this role will be to deal with the Council's right to buys, section 42 leasehold extensions and buyback project. You will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of residential and commercial property matters including renewal leases, licences, purchases, sales, regeneration projects, easements and adverse possession claims as well as be involved in multiple projects. The job purpose is to assist in the provision of an efficient and cost effective legal service to all relevant departments such as the Property Team.

About you

You will have excellent technical knowledge and practical experience of the law and practice relating to property, ideally gained within a Local Authority legal team.

You will have excellent drafting skills and be confident providing advice as required.

This role will suit a highly organised and enthusiastic individual who enjoys managing their own caseload, working to tight deadlines and assisting senior colleagues on more complex matters.

We are looking for a team player who is keen to build successful relationships with clients and use their own initiative to ensure that the Council's interests are protected at all times.

You will be responsible for providing guidance and direction to your colleagues and clients, identifying areas for improvement and providing innovative solutions.

Other important skills would include: technology, passion for learning, problem solving, collaboration, exceptional client care, organisation, teamwork and relationship building.

You must be motivated to deliver results, and will be expected to take ownership of your personal development and the development of your work streams. We strive to ensure that we continuously improve our service, and you will play an essential part in supporting this.

What we are looking for

Our ideal candidate will have a background in property law. You will have the ability to manage a demanding caseload, with high levels of attention to detail and a track record in effective decision making. You will have excellent communication skills, be highly organised and with a high degree of professionalism.

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work‑life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Benefits

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36‑hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non‑casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco‑friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24‑hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with your season ticket loans and free car parking.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation’s success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre‑employment screening:

• Standard DBS Check
• 5 years of Referencing

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.