Job Description
Job Title:  Chief Lawyer
Posting Start Date:  25/02/2026

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required have also been included. Workplace role categories describe our approach to workplace attendance

Salary: £77,400 - £87,880 per annum inclusive of all allowances. In addition, this post also attracts a Market Forces Supplement of up to £10,898 per annum. The Market Forces Supplement is discretionary and may be withdrawn, reduced or increased during the future
Contractual Hours: 35 hours per week

Basis: Full-Time, Permanent
Workplace category: Hybrid
Attachments: Job Information Pack

 

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The City of London Corporation is seeking an accomplished Chief Lawyer to lead a section in our Property Division within the Comptroller and City Solicitor’s Department. This is a key leadership role that combines high-level legal expertise with people management and strategic advisory responsibilities. 

 

About the Role 

 

As Chief Lawyer, you will oversee a team of Principal Lawyers and support staff, providing expert legal advice on complex and high-value property matters. You will play a pivotal role in advising on commercial property transactions, open spaces, and charity law, including development agreements, acquisitions, disposals, and lease negotiations. 

 

You will lead on significant legal projects, collaborating closely with colleagues across the Corporation to ensure well-coordinated outcomes. The role also includes regular engagement with senior stakeholders, committees, and external partners. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

 

  • Provide high-quality legal advice on commercial and property law, open spaces, and charity law. 

  • Lead and manage a team of lawyers and support staff, ensuring effective performance and professional development. 

  • Advise on complex and high-value transactions, including development agreements, leases, acquisitions, and disposals. 

  • Prepare and present committee reports and represent the department at meetings when required. 

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

  • Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of work. 

 

About You 

 

You will be a qualified solicitor or barrister with at least 10 years’ post-qualification experience and a strong background in commercial property law. You’ll have proven leadership skills, the ability to manage a diverse caseload, and a track record of providing pragmatic, strategic advice on complex property matters. 

 

Excellent communication and negotiation skills are essential, as is experience in advising senior stakeholders and managing a professional legal team. 

 

What We Offer 

 

  • Competitive salary between £77,400 and £87,880 per annum plus £10,898 Market Force Supplement

  • Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with an employer contribution rate of 21%. 

  • Generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days, plus bank holidays, with increases linked to service. 

  • Learning and development opportunities, including financial support for professional qualifications. 

  • Access to exclusive employee benefits and volunteering opportunities. 

 

If you are an experienced property lawyer ready to lead a dedicated legal team and make a significant impact within one of London’s most historic and respected institutions, we would like to hear from you. 

 

Apply now to join the City of London Corporation and help shape the legal framework behind some of the City’s most important property projects. 

 

Closing date: Friday 13th March 2026

 

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To apply online please click the Apply online button below.  

 

Alternatively, please contact 020 7332 3978 (24 hr answerphone) quoting reference number OCOM1140 if you experience any difficulties.  A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732. 

  

The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. 

 

We reserve the right to close the advert earlier should we receive a high number of applications. 

  

Because our roles are so varied, we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ policy for workplace attendance. How many days a week you’ll be required to attend your workplace will depend on the requirements of your role. It’s important that you understand the requirements before applying to ensure you are able to meet them. We are committed to considering requests to work flexibly and job share. Requests will be considered by the recruiting manager in line with our policies and business needs. 

 

For more information on our categories for workplace attendance, please view our guide here.   

 

We will be reviewing this policy and approach at regular intervals to ensure we’re meeting our attendance needs.