Commercial Property Lawyer (PLO)

Commercial Property Lawyer (Public Sector - 12-Month Contract)
Location: Belfast
Salary: £29.55 per hour
Duration: Up to 12 months
Hours: Monday to Friday, flexible between 8am-6pm (core hours 10am-4pm)

Why Apply for This Role?

• Competitive hourly rate of £29.55
• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance
• Prestigious public sector opportunity within the Northern Ireland Civil Service
• Exposure to high-value, complex commercial property matters
• Valuable experience in public law, working on behalf of a key government department
• Belfast city centre location - accessible and well-connected

The Opportunity

Staffline is recruiting for a Commercial Property Solicitor to join a major public sector organisation through the Northern Ireland Civil Service. This 12-month role offers the chance to work on a broad range of public law property matters, including commercial leases, development agreements, and more. Ideal for experienced legal professionals seeking impactful work in a dynamic legal team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provision of legal advice and services, in a public law context, and acting on behalf of Departmental clients in property & commercial property - specifically Lands Tribunal and vesting compensation matters.
• Work will include sales, disposals and acquisitions of land; advising on vesting compensation procedure; dealing with vesting compensation matters, including advance payments; dealing with Lands Tribunal References, including representing Departments at LT Mentions; drafting easements and wayleaves, completing title due diligence.
• Drafting contracts; drafting and negotiating development agreements; drafting property transfer documentation; drafting leases, licences and/or agreements for lease.
• Advising on the Business Tenancies (NI) Order 1996; dealing with SDLT returns as necessary; and completing registration formalities as required in property transactions.
• Line management of others in the division may also be required.
• Actively working to build effective client relationships and understand client needs and priorities. Support Assistant Director in delivering and forward planning the work of their team.
• Regularly undertake case, time recording and quality assurance procedures. Participate effectively in the corporate life of the division, including team briefs, one to ones and training to develop professional skills and knowledge.

Essential Criteria

• Qualified solicitor or barrister eligible to practise in Northern Ireland
• Minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience in commercial property law
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills
• Demonstrable experience in public sector or regulated environments is desirable

Additional Information

• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK
• Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo an Access NI check via Staffline (cost between £16-£32, depending on clearance level)

How to Apply

If you meet the essential criteria and are available for this role, we'd love to hear from you. Submit your CV via the link provided or contact:
Ray McPhillips
[email protected]
028 9024 2824

Please note: To be shortlisted for this role, all applicants must meet the essential criteria. These roles may be filled quickly; however, your CV will be kept on file for future similar opportunities. Due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to contact unsuccessful candidates.