Job Description

We are looking for a suitably qualified lawyer with relevant commercial property experience to join our lively in-house legal property and planning team.  The team handles all aspects of commercial property work including sales and purchase, landlord and tenant, easements and wayleaves as well as some residential conveyancing and planning matters such as Section 106 Agreements and planning policy advice.  It is desirable, but not essential, that you have local government experience and planning law knowledge and experience, however a willingness to learn and develop in these areas is beneficial.  Training and support would be offered as part of your continuous professional development. 

Day to Day

You will report to the Lead Lawyer for Property and Planning.  You will work as part of the legal team to provide a high quality comprehensive legal service to all Officers and Councillors.  The role covers the breadth of commercial property and planning work and therefore you will be responsible for a full caseload dealing with complex and varied matters.  You will undertake all aspects of legal work including drafting and negotiating documents and settlements, researching and problem solving, and providing high quality accurate legal advice on a range of legal issues.  You will also have the opportunity to represent the Council as legal advisor at business meetings and at Council meetings such as the Planning and Development Committee.

About you

You will be a qualified solicitor/barrister/Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives or equivalent relevant qualification with proven experience of working in the field of Commercial Property, preferably in a local authority context.  You will have proven experience of providing comprehensive legal advice in your legal field, and of drafting, negotiating and concluding documents on complex matters with minimal supervision.  You will have a ‘can do’ attitude and will need excellent communication and IT skills.  You will also have the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships, work under pressure to meet competing priorities and deadlines, and have a pragmatic approach.

Hours of work are 37 per week, Monday to Friday and there may be times when you are required to attend evening meetings and work outside of normal working hours. 

As well as a good salary, we offer a career average pension scheme, generous holiday and sick pay entitlements, subsidised parking, public transport discounts, free swimming, cycle purchase scheme, plenty of personal and professional development opportunities, flexible working, hybrid working opportunities, Employee Assistance Programme and the opportunity to work with great colleagues.

For more information about this role please contact Kate Theobald on 01473 432309 or via email Kate.Theobald@ipswich.gov.uk

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification to find out more about this role: Job description and Person specification. Please note CVs are not accepted.

The selection process will be an interview. Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 18^th September 2023.

The assessment interview process will be carried out remotely via Skype for Business, Microsoft teams or in person.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview candidates who meet the essential criteria prior to the closing date and / or to close the opportunity to applicants once we receive sufficient applications.