Intellectual Property Lawyer

Job Description – Interim Property Counsel

Purpose

The role of the Interim Property Counsel is to assist the Head Counsel – Land and Property in providing a full range of legal advice in relation to property and compulsory purchase disputes. The role aims to minimise risk and exposure while ensuring compliance with legislation and regulations, timely delivery of property requirements, and value for money.

The Interim Property Counsel will work under appropriate supervision and in collaboration with other in-house legal team members and external legal advisors.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice (under supervision) on contentious land and property matters including landlord and tenant disputes, residential, commercial, and agricultural possession, debt recovery, valuation disputes, trespass, access issues, and title disputes.
• Manage property litigation matters under supervision, including case strategy, case management, settlements, evidence, deadlines, disclosure, trial preparation, witness preparation, and costs.
• Support advice on Alternative Dispute Resolution processes and their application in individual cases.
• Provide legal support on wider property-related matters including discretionary property schemes, utilities, acquisitions and disposals, statutory powers, settlement agreements, and notices.
• Where required, assist in managing external legal advisors, including monitoring costs, supporting budget setting, timelines, and quality assurance.
• Assist in drafting, updating, and maintaining legal templates to improve consistency, compliance, and efficiency.
• Prepare legal advice, reports, and briefings for internal stakeholders to support decision-making and communication.
• Conduct legal research on relevant legislation, case law, and procedures to ensure compliance and awareness of developments.
• Ensure legal advice is delivered in a way that minimises risk and maintains consistent standards.
• Promote and support Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in all work activities in line with organisational policies.

Skills

• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary and fast-paced environment on complex property matters.
• Ability to prepare legal notices and court proceedings.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Problem-solving ability, including working without clear precedent or established procedures.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail and strong planning capabilities.

Knowledge

• Qualified solicitor or chartered legal executive with post-qualification experience in property litigation (typically 3–10 years PQE, though flexible).
• Experience gained in-house or in private practice involving work with large organisations or public-sector-type bodies.

Experience

• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams on a broad range of property matters.
• Experience handling contentious residential, commercial, and agricultural tenancy issues.
• Experience with possession proceedings (conducting or assisting).
• Experience in debt recovery, including pre-action, claims, and enforcement.
• Experience liaising with senior stakeholders and external organisations in complex environments.