Legal Advisor - 6m FTC - West Midlands
Purpose of the Job:
As Legal Advisor, you will provide first class legal advice to both office and field-based colleagues, working in a fast paced and fun environment.
The role will require a detailed knowledge of all operational letting agreements, landlord and tenant legislation, leaseholder covenants, termination of letting agreements, court driven possession actions and dispute resolution.
Key Responsibilities:
Dispute Resolution – L&T
Responsibility for managing in possession disputes in aligned Divisional Business Units and providing direct support to DBU by being a virtual member and attend at meetings as required. Liaise with stakeholders including Divisional Directors, Regional Managers, legal support, licensing, credit control, sales ledger, compliance, local authorities and solicitors appointed by the Company. Conduct detailed reviews of letting histories, tracing & researching previous tenants’ liability, prepare clear and detailed advice to Operations to assist with commercial considerations in distress situations and exit negotiations. Prepare cases summaries and recommendations to Divisional Directors and Regional Managers on pre litigation disputes to promote settlement and avoid litigation wherever possible Preparation of letters before action in relation to in possession debt matters Review and advise on Alternative Dispute Resolution processes on in possession disputes. Interpret and advise on contractual terms of head leases and occupational leases Advise on and prepare S146 notices as pre requisite to possession actions Preparation of case files and chronologies and instructions to solicitors in litigation matters appointed by the Group and ensure ongoing management to conclusion including recommendations to settle on commercial terms Review and advise on appropriate use of and execution of peaceable re-entry and supporting Regional Managers in safe execution. Prepare and instruct solicitors with instructions on possession actions and managing the cases to conclusion whether by court order recorded by consent or judgement and enforcement by warrant. Review and advise on change of control of a corporate tenant and appropriate remedial actions Attend at court, mediation and without prejudice meetings connected with the above as required.
Dispute Resolution – Debt Recovery (in possession)
Preparation of and transfer of conduct of debt recovery matters post possession to debt recovery team Advise on, instruct and serve Statutory Demands in relation to in possession debt recovery Review and advise on S17 notices and instruct solicitors if applicable and manage to conclusion Review and advise on reliance on Authorised Guarantee Agreements in context of in possession debt recovery and manage instructions to solicitors where required Advise on reliance of an overriding lease and manage instructions to solicitors where required Review and advise on publican insolvency issues (Liquidation, Administration, CVA, IVA and Bankruptcy)
Legal - Estate Management, Change of Tenancy and Transition Management
* Instruct solicitors and manage Deed of Surrenders and the lease buyback process on complex matters or where a premium is being paid
* Advise on and prepare surrender letters and advise Divisional Directors and Regional Managers of mechanics
Advise on CST/MSA within Craft Union and prepare surrender and immediate termination letters Prepare and issue TAW termination letters Prepare and issue HMRC de-registration application
Skills, Experience & Qualifications:
Confident in using and interpreting information found at Companies House and Land Registry. Experience of commercial leases within a fast paced commercial environment. The ability to manage a large and diverse workload. Experience of timely and accurately updating and maintenance of Company databases. Ability to communicate to a wide range of internal/external contacts.
Desirable experience:
Knowledge of Company Law. Knowledge of the wide variety of leases and tenancies within the Stonegate estate and all covenants contained therein. An understanding of the 2016 Pubs Code. Dealing with local authorities, professional advisors and having the confidence to challenge. Knowledge of share schemes.
* Experience of dealing with HM Land Registry.
A little bit about us:
The Solihull Pub Support Team offices are light and airy offices in Shirley, Solihull, where you will be greeted by our Welcome Team. We have free onsite secure parking with EV charging and cycle storage, a subsidised canteen serving breakfast and lunch, as well as an onsite pub used for social events. The offices are fully accessible.
What's in it for you?
* 25 days annual leave
* Annual Leave Purchase Scheme
* Pension
* Vitality Healthcare
* Opt in dental insurance programme
* Annual bonus scheme
* The Stonegate discount card offering discounts across our managed estate
* Online benefits portal offering discounts across the High Street and other retailers
At Stonegate Group, we're proud to be the biggest operator of pubs, bars, and late-night venues in the United Kingdom. Our leading brands are diverse and well-known, including names like Slug & Lettuce, Be At One and Popworld. Find out more about a career with Stonegate Group at www.stonegatecareers.co.uk.
If you have a disability as outlined by the Equality Act 2010 and require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please let us know in advance so that any support, aids or adaptations can be put in place to assist you. Please contact hrsupport@stonegategroup.co.uk.