Full job descriptionPrincipal 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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