Sovereign Network Group (SNG) is a leading Housing Association, committed to providing quality, affordable homes and services within sustainable, successful communities. We're led by our values and driven by a strong social purpose, placing our customers at the heart of everything we do.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Legal Counsel to join our Property Disposals Legal Team which is part of our wider In-House Legal team at SNG. This is a new role that will be reporting into one of our Senior Legal Counsels and working together with Legal Advisers and other Legal Counsels.
Based in the Basingstoke office, you'll combine home and office working. There will be some requirements to travel to the Bristol and London offices as and when required (and other offices as maybe required), as well as occasional development/property site visits so you should be happy to travel and have access to transport.
The role
You'll be responsible for your own caseload of legal cases as well as working with senior members of the team to partner with the business to resolve more complex legal cases and provide strategic input. Your main focus will be to lead on the site set ups of shared ownership properties, acquisition and development support to the business and in the future looking to undertake site set ups of open market sales. You'll also support on management and assisting junior members of the team with the disposals of existing properties and new build properties
This includes:
* Understanding the title, planning and all other relevant documents and advise on all areas of property law relating to new build developments and existing residential properties
* Setting up a scheme for plot sales including reviewing conveyance plans and working with other teams to resolve site related legal issues
* Drafting contracts, transfers and shared ownership leases
* Replying to enquiries
* Assisting team members with the conveyancing process to completion in support of the Sales and Development teams
* Supervising junior members of the team in managing their own caseloads and providing training to them where required
Other responsibilities include:
* Supporting senior members of the team with the performance management of the external panel solicitors
* Document precedent management to ensure the leases are compliant with current practises, legislation and Homes England's requirements
* Working with the team to deliver SNG's disposal targets
* Assisting with the creation, design and management of team quality controls within the legal team, such as working on procedures and processes, adapting to legal changes, compliance with legal standards, monitoring risk, training for junior members and internal teams and client care
What we're looking for
You'll need previous experience in a similar legal role, with experience in legal matters relating to developments, site set up and conveyancing of Shared Ownership and private sales of new build properties and disposals of other property types.
You'll also need:
* To hold a valid Practising Certificate (or equivalent) to ensure you can carry out Reserved Work as defined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, as well as be responsible for the supervision of members of the team who are not qualified to undertake Reserved Work
* 2 years + PQE working within a law firm, in-house legal department, housing association or local authority and managing own legal caseload of similar cases
* Strong understanding of Landlord and Tenant law and substantial experience of drafting residential leases
* Experience of working with Developers is desirable
* Excellent planning skills with the ability to prioritise your work
* Strong commercial awareness and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to develop strong working relationships within the Legal team, with internal clients and other third-party stakeholders
* Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion
* Equality and Diversity is fundamental to creating an inclusive culture at SNG and we embrace and understand the importance of diversity of thought, especially in our leadership positions.
We welcome candidates with a growth mindset who imbue these values and are excited to be part of an organisation that is leading change.
What you'll receive from us
We have some fantastic benefits on offer at SNG, including:
* Hybrid working (currently a minimum of 2 days in the office)
* £450 flex-pot annually, discounted shopping & cycling scheme
* 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays (with an extra day every year up to 30 days)
* Company pension scheme matched up to 12%, life cover at 4x your salary
* Flexible working - we're committed to giving people flexibility as widely as possible
* Options for private medical insurance, dental insurance & critical illness cover
If you're looking for a new opportunity, then we'd love to hear from you!
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