Lawyer (Property)
- Exeter, Devon
- Full Time
- £45,091 - £49,282 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity to join our highly regarded Property Team, where no two days are ever the same. The team handles a diverse and stimulating caseload, ranging from straightforward land disposals through to complex and high‑profile compulsory purchase orders. The team’s work is varied and exciting, with property transactions including Schools, Industrial Estates and the Council’s County Farms portfolio. The work is varied, and from start to finish, you’ll be involved in work that genuinely makes a difference.
This is a fast‑paced and intellectually challenging role that will see you thinking on your feet, developing your expertise as you go, and sharing knowledge with a supportive and collaborative team. While demanding, the work is exceptionally rewarding and offers real professional satisfaction.
We are looking for a confident and capable property lawyer with strong technical experience and a proven track record. Experience in local government would be an advantage, but it is not essential. What truly matters is a genuine commitment to understanding how a local authority operates and applying that knowledge to deliver the best possible outcomes for Devon County Council and the people of Devon.
You will be eager to expand into new areas of law and comfortable providing clear, pragmatic advice at pace across a broad range of legal issues. As a member of the Property Team within Devon County Council’s Legal Services department, you will play a vital role in supporting the organisation’s objectives. In return, we will support you to succeed with flexible working arrangements, modern technology, and — most importantly — the trust and autonomy to use your professional judgment. You’ll be empowered to make decisions, tackle complex and challenging matters, and apply your legal expertise where it truly counts.
As a Lawyer within the Property Team, you will provide expert legal advice and assistance to the Council on a wide range of property-related matters. You will:
- Draft and negotiate complex contracts for sale, transfer deeds, collaboration agreements, overage deeds, leases, licences, and other property related documentation on behalf of the Council. Some of this documentation will cover new and innovative projects with no precedent documentation available.
- Provide expert legal advice to officers across all levels of the Council across all directorates on a wide and complex range of property matters including schools, county farms, collaborative partnerships with other public bodies and cross authority matters.
- Respond to members of the public on property and highways related queries
- To advise stakeholders on matters of cross-authority content, attend panels and join project boards.
- Review and approve Cabinet Reports as necessary
- Provide supervision and support to junior members of the team on complicated cases or property transactions.
- Support the Principal Lawyer in the attendance of meetings
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues across the Council.
About You
- Qualified solicitors, barristers, or hold a CILEX professional qualification (or equivalent), and are registered with the relevant professional body.
- Extensive and relevant experience in property law area with experience leading complex matters and transactions
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the County Council and its partner organisations.
- Ability to work autonomously and make relevant decisions
- Excellent communicators, both written and verbal, with strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Competent in using Microsoft Office and case management systems, including effective time recording.
- Able to manage their own caseload, work to deadlines, and develop creative solutions quickly.
- Committed to equality, professionalism, and the values of Devon County Council.
- Experience in a local government setting preferable (but not essential)
For an informal discussion about this role please contact Michelle Ellis michelle.ellis@devon.gov.uk
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
Reference: REQ009612