Principal Lawyer (Property)

Location: Chelmsford / Hybrid Working Contract: Interim Assignment Rate: Up to £60 per hour Umbrella Are you an experienced local government property solicitor looking for your next interim opportunity? We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Lawyer (Property) to join a well-established Local Authority legal team, providing expert legal advice across a varied and complex property portfolio. This is a senior-level position requiring extensive local authority property experience and the ability to manage a busy caseload. The Role Working closely with senior officers, the Corporate Property Team, and key decision-makers across the Council, you will undertake and advise on the full spectrum of local authority property transactions. Key responsibilities will include: Acquisition of freehold and leasehold property interests, including commercial and residential assets. Disposal of freehold and leasehold properties. Advising on landlord and tenant matters, including licences to assign and deeds of variation. Managing business lease renewals. Drafting and advising on licences, wayleaves and easements. Negotiating and completing commercial lease transactions. Drafting and advising on complex contracts relating to development sites and strategic land acquisitions. Providing advice on local government legal requirements surrounding property transactions, including best consideration obligations, statutory consents and governance requirements. Supporting major property projects and working closely with the Council's Corporate Property Manager and wider property team. Delivering pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice to senior stakeholders across the organisation. About You To be considered, you will: Be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEX with substantial post-qualification experience. Have significant experience handling local authority property matters. Possess proven expertise across acquisitions, disposals, commercial leases, landlord and tenant matters, easements and development agreements. Have a strong understanding of local government property law and governance requirements. Be able to manage a varied caseload independently and efficiently. Demonstrate excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Be confident advising senior officers, Heads of Service, Directors and Executive-level stakeholders. Have a proactive, client-focused approach and the ability to hit the ground running. Experience using Iken Cloud would be highly advantageous, although not essential. What's on Offer? Flexible remote or hybrid working arrangements. Opportunity to work on a broad range of high-value and strategically important property transactions. Senior-level position within a respected Local Authority legal team. Competitive rate of up to £60 per hour Umbrella. Immediate start available.

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