In-House Legal Counsel (Conveyancing & Portfolio Operations)

• 75000 - 85000 per annum + + Benefits
  
• North London, London
  
• Permanent
  

Our client is a fast-growing, entrepreneurial residential property investment and development group operating an extensive portfolio of several hundred residential units alongside a completed student accommodation facility. Known for a lean, fast-paced approach, they manage their portfolio actively and commercially.

They are seeking an In-House Legal Counsel to join their team in North London on a full-time or part-time, permanent basis (flexible working arrangements considered for the right candidate). Working directly alongside the business principals, this is a high-impact, standalone role where you will act as the primary internal legal expert, taking end-to-end ownership across property transactions, residential conveyancing, lease management, portfolio operations, and general commercial contracts.

(Note: While the role includes basic oversight of tenancy matters and minor pre-litigation support, the primary focus is heavily weighted toward conveyancing, leases, re-financings, and ongoing property transactions).

Key Responsibilities

• Conveyancing & Transactions: Take ownership of residential and commercial property transactions, managing sales, purchases, and portfolio re-financings from instruction through to completion, working independently or alongside external conveyancing solicitors.

• Leases & Commercial Agreements: Draft, review, and negotiate residential leases, tenancy agreements, licence documents (alterations, sub-letting, assignments), and related property contracts.

• Portfolio Legal Operations: Ensure all portfolio management operations align strictly with current residential housing legislation, handling lease extensions, variations, and freehold/leasehold administration.

• Financial Oversight & Ledgers: Oversee internal loan account ledgers, issue monthly statements, execute late payment recovery strategies, and reconcile arrears ledgers in coordination with finance.

• Pre-Litigation & Dispute Support: Provide foundational pre-litigation oversight and handle minor tenancy disputes or arrears recovery as needed, liaising with external litigation teams on larger or more complex legal claims.

• Operational Legal Support: Handle day-to-day legal correspondence and liaise directly with external managing agents, surveyors, local authorities, estate agents, utility providers, and lenders.

Your Profile

• Core Background: Qualified Solicitor, Legal Executive (CILEx), or experienced practitioner with a solid background in residential conveyancing, commercial property, or general real estate practice .

• Standalone Capability: Confident, self-sufficient, and comfortable operating as a standalone in-house advisor without traditional firm support structures or billable hour targets.

• Commercial Approach: Practical, robust, and commercially minded with strong organizational skills for managing multiple property transactions and portfolio tasks simultaneously.

• Technical & Numerical Proficiency: Highly proficient across standard office IT suites (MS Excel, Word, Outlook) with excellent numerical accuracy for managing loan ledgers, completion statements, and transactional finances.