Lawyer Property and Projects

Make a real impact across a diverse property portfolio

Are you a property lawyer looking for a rewarding permanent role? If you have a legal background with expertise in conveyancing processes and land law, we have an exciting opportunity for you.

 

We are looking for a pragmatic, solutions‑focused Lawyer to help manage and develop the council’s commercial, residential, and community property assets. This is a varied role where you will handle your own caseload, support corporate projects, and provide clear, confident advice to officers and elected Members.

 

You will be responsible for running a broad property caseload across residential, commercial, and community assets, including advising on complex property issues linked to corporate projects, along with:

Advising on rights in and over land (easements, wayleaves, adverse possession) and strategies for acquisition or prevention.
Supporting the Principal Solicitor (Property & Projects) on multi‑disciplinary corporate projects and working groups
Preparing and completing legal documentation relating to restrictive covenants (release/variation).
Acquiring property for the council and handling all related steps, including filing SDLT and Land Registry applications.
Acting for the council on commercial assets, including negotiation and grant of leases, licences and related documents, and liaising with managing agents.
Contributing legal input to project working groups to deliver corporate priorities, bringing forward new ideas and practical solutions.

To excel in this role, it is essential that you are a qualified Solicitor (with  a current practicing certificate or eligible to apply for one), Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX (or equivalent qualification gained in another jurisdiction) and it is essential that you have at least two years PQE with solid conveyancing and commercial property experience as well has having:

 

Strong understanding of property law and landlord & tenant law; confident managing your own caseload and deadlines.
Excellent drafting, communication and stakeholder skills, able to advise diverse audiences including Members and senior officers.
Good IT skills and organised, self‑motivated approach.

 

This is a role that has genuine breadth and impact across a varied public‑sector property portfolio.

Supportive Legal team culture with opportunities to shape projects and process.

Click to view a Job Description

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Millie Pountney, Principal Solicitor (Property and Projects) on 01233 330265

When Applying - Please ensure that you have received confirmation of a submitted application once completed. For any assistance in completing the application form, please email recruitment@ashford.gov.uk

Hybrid Working - We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working.       

Competitive remuneration package - We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.

With devolution news and talks evolving across the country for local authorities, we understand that there may be some uncertainty for those currently serving within the sector. Although Kent and Medway have not been included in the Devolution Priority Programme, discussions continue in this area.  Kent, Medway and all District and Borough Councils in the South East will continue to work closely with each other to deliver vital services to our communities.  This is an exciting, but stable time to join our organisation.

Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide

We welcome applications form the Armed Forces Community