Overview

Senior Lawyer (Property) – Derbyshire County Council. Derbyshire County Council is currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated property lawyer to join our legal team. Closing date: 26 October 2025.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a dynamic local authority, providing legal advice and support to the council and its departments. You will play a vital role in ensuring the Council operates within the legal framework and delivers high-quality services to residents of Derbyshire. This is an exciting time to join and lead our legal team, with opportunities to influence how services are delivered. Our Legal Team works flexibly, with options for home working; future arrangements can be discussed at interview.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable.

Key responsibilities

• Be a practising lawyer (Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive) with substantial knowledge of property law.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance on property matters to client departments and others; represent them at meetings and resolve issues arising.
• Undertake special projects relating to property as required by the Principal Lawyer (Commercial and Property) and Assistant Director of Legal Services; prepare reports and advisory documents as required.
• Assist the Principal Lawyer (Commercial and Property) in supervising the work of the Section.
• Join a dedicated and supportive Legal Services team; deliver timely, accurate and effective advice.

Skills and experience

• Substantial experience advising on property law.
• Knowledge of current legislation and case law relating to property matters.
• Qualified as Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (FCILEx).
• Ability to give clear and accurate legal advice, including training.
• Ability to guide and lead team members; develop, organise and motivate them.
• High level of communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate and influence across audiences.

Note: This list is not exhaustive; refer to the comprehensive job profile for more detail.

What we offer

• 27 days of annual leave plus 5 days after 5 years of continuous service
• Flexi time and up to 2 additional days of leave per month
• Generous local government pension scheme
• Guaranteed incremental annual pay increases
• Cycle to work scheme
• Supportive working environment
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Discounts at selected county leisure centres

Our Legal Team is contractually based in Matlock, Derbyshire, with flexible working options including home working. There will be an opportunity to discuss future working arrangements at interview.

Provisional Interview Date: week commencing 10 November 2025.

Application and contact

How to apply: Complete and submit the application form.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Julia Gale, Principal Lawyer at julia.gale@derbyshire.gov.uk.

Notes: This role is advertised for Senior Lawyer (Property). No visa sponsorship is provided. Ensure you have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship before applying.