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Full Time (37 Hours per Week) - Fixed Term Contract - 12 Months We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Lawyer with expertise in residential property to join the Corporate Legal Team.&nbsp; Reading’s Legal Services department includes our highly regarded internal Corporate Legal Team, which provides legal advice and support across a wide range of Council functions, including to the Property and Assets Management team. Reading also hosts the Joint Legal Team—a long-standing shared legal service for all Berkshire unitary councils and a recognised centre of excellence for childcare, adult social care, and education law. We welcome applications from the widest pool of talent, as diversity and inclusion are key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. We offer flexible working patterns and a hybrid working environment, combining office-based work in central Reading with homeworking, tailored to the needs of the service. About the Role: The Council is currently transferring housing stock held by Homes for Reading into its Housing Revenue Account (HRA). You will play a key role in supporting this project. You will be part of a team of specialist lawyers and paralegals, overseen by our strategic lead. Legal Services aims to provide the Council and its partners with the highest quality professional legal advice and representation, enabling them to run their organisations effectively and serve our community. Our ambition is to be the best place to practise law in local government - by being close to our customers, recruiting top talent, successfully deploying legal technology, and growing our service to new clients. Whatever your specialism or previous experience, you will thrive in a customer-focused environment and a team with an ambitious agenda. You’ll also have opportunities to contribute to wider Corporate Legal Team objectives beyond your specialist area. We place strong emphasis on learning and development, and you will be supported to grow your skills and progress your career. About You: We are looking for a fully qualified solicitor, barrister, or CILEX lawyer with significant post-qualification experience to support the Property Team within the Corporate Legal Team. You will report to the Senior Property Lawyer, who will support your work and professional development. Our ideal candidate will:
<ul>
<li>Have sound knowledge and experience of residential property law and practice (preferably within local government or the public sector).</li>
<li>Be able to advise and support Council departments on a range of property matters, including acquisitions, disposals, leases, development and regeneration projects, and landlord and tenant issues.</li>
<li>Be confident managing a mixed property caseload.</li>
<li>Be able to support junior colleagues within the team.</li>
<li>Be a team player who contributes to wider team objectives.</li>
<li>Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills.</li>
<li>Be able to meet tight deadlines, remain calm under pressure, and commit to learning and development goals.</li>
<li>Use case management systems and electronic research tools efficiently and be administratively self-sufficient.</li>
</ul>
You’ll also be supported by our Legal Operations Team, who will assist in delivering your work as we continue to invest in systems and processes and work towards Lexcel accreditation. You’ll be part of a team that values individual contributions. Alongside your immediate colleagues, you’ll be part of Team Reading—helping make Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work, and play, with everyone sharing in its success. Our values and behaviours guide how we achieve this: Work Together as One Team&nbsp;– collaborate with colleagues and partners, demonstrating Team Reading values in everything we do. Drive Efficiency&nbsp;– show initiative, adapt to change, and suggest improvements. Take responsibility for your own learning and development. Be Ambitious&nbsp;– strive for excellence and engage constructively with leaders. Make a Difference to Reading&nbsp;– deliver high levels of customer service and be flexible in meeting service needs. Our Offer: We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career, with opportunities to share ideas and innovate. You’ll be part of a friendly and collaborative team. Benefits include:
<ul>
<li>Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.</li>
<li>A wide range of flexible working opportunities.</li>
<li>Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in central Reading.</li>
<li>Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).</li>
<li>Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for LGPS members).</li>
<li>On-site day nursery (Kennet Day Nursery), rated Outstanding by Ofsted.</li>
<li>Season Ticket Loan – to help with travel costs.</li>
<li>Lease car salary sacrifice scheme – includes insurance, servicing, and road tax.</li>
</ul>
For more information, please contact Jonathan Treherne (Strategic Lead – Corporate Law) at <a href="mailto:Jonathan.treherne@reading.gov.uk" target="_blank">Jonathan.treherne@reading.gov.uk</a>or Shaidah Ramzan (Legal Services Manager) at <a href="mailto:shaidah.ramzan@reading.gov.uk" target="_blank">shaidah.ramzan@reading.gov.uk</a> <a href="mailto:shaidah.ramzan@reading.gov.uk" target="_blank"></a>Closing Date: Sunday 7th September 2025 Interview Dates: To be confirmed Please note: the closing date is a guide only. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Early application is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

Reading Borough Council

Property Lawyer

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Fixed Term Contract - 12 Months - Part time up to 22 hours per week (flexible to consider alternative working patterns including term time only) We are currently recruiting for a dynamic Lawyer to join our Corporate Commercial Team.&nbsp; This part-time position is ideal for experienced lawyers who value flexibility and autonomy. Whether you're returning to work, balancing other commitments, or simply prefer a reduced schedule, this role allows you to contribute meaningfully to high-profile legal work within a supportive and forward-thinking local authority. Reading also hosts the Joint Legal Team—a long-standing shared legal service for all Berkshire unitary councils and a recognised centre of excellence for childcare, adult social care, and education law. We welcome applications from the widest pool of talent, as diversity and inclusion are key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. We offer flexible working patterns and a hybrid working environment, combining office-based work in central Reading with homeworking, tailored to the needs of the service. About the role: You will require an excellent working knowledge:
<ul>
<li>Contract and procurement law</li>
<li>Proven experience of a range of contractual agreements in a local government setting</li>
<li>dealing with commercial contracts, procurement, information management, IT, technology, construction, intellectual property, public law, grant agreements</li>
<li>dealing with public procurement matters and frameworks</li>
<li>JCT &amp; NEC contracts</li>
</ul>
You’ll have the opportunity to work on complex and rewarding contract matters while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.&nbsp; Engage in strategic projects such as construction, procurement, and grant agreements, with the freedom to manage your time effectively.&nbsp; Join a collaborative team that values your expertise and supports your development—without the demands of a full-time schedule. We welcome applications from candidates who bring strong legal skills and a desire to make a difference, regardless of their working pattern.&nbsp; You will be part of a dynamic team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As part of Team Reading, you will play your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. About you: We are looking for someone with experience of the following:
<ul>
<li>Expert knowledge and understanding of the law and procedure relating to the functions of a local authority, including all aspects of contracts and procurement law. In particular in relation to the Procurement Act 2023</li>
<li>Experience of construction contracts, particularly JCT and NEC forms, covering design responsibility, payment structures, delay damages, and defects liability</li>
<li>Grant agreements with external bodies such as the NHS or other councils.</li>
<li>Ability to negotiate and draft complex legal agreements and deliver expert legal advice orally and in writing in relation to these.</li>
<li>Ability to identify and communicate complex or key legal issues, clearly and effectively, both in writing and orally</li>
<li>A persuasive and effective influencer, with emotional intelligence, who can foster and build partnerships and relationships, work collaboratively within and across departmental boundaries, and achieve corporate and departmental objectives through and in partnership with others</li>
</ul>
To apply for this role, you will have:
<ul>
<li>A current practising certificate and be entitled to practice in England as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executive</li>
<li>Post qualification experience of contract and procurement rules and regulations</li>
<li>An ability to work to tight deadlines and work well whilst under pressure.</li>
<li>An ability to work effectively as part of a team.</li>
<li>Lead a team</li>
</ul>
We support hybrid working, it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle. Our values and behaviours guide how we achieve this: Work Together as One Team&nbsp;– collaborate with colleagues and partners, demonstrating Team Reading values in everything we do. Drive Efficiency&nbsp;– show initiative, adapt to change, and suggest improvements. Take responsibility for your own learning and development. Be Ambitious&nbsp;– strive for excellence and engage constructively with leaders. Make a Difference to Reading&nbsp;– deliver high levels of customer service and be flexible in meeting service needs. Our Offer: We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career, with opportunities to share ideas and innovate. You’ll be part of a friendly and collaborative team. Benefits include:
<ul>
<li>Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.</li>
<li>A wide range of flexible working opportunities.</li>
<li>Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in central Reading.</li>
<li>Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).</li>
<li>Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for LGPS members).</li>
<li>On-site day nursery (Kennet Day Nursery), rated Outstanding by Ofsted.</li>
<li>Season Ticket Loan – to help with travel costs.</li>
<li>Lease car salary sacrifice scheme – includes insurance, servicing, and road tax.</li>
</ul>
For more information, please contact Jonathan Treherne (Strategic Lead – Corporate Law) at <a href="mailto:Jonathan.treherne@reading.gov.uk" target="_blank">Jonathan.treherne@reading.gov.uk</a>or Shaidah Ramzan (Legal Services Manager) at <a href="mailto:shaidah.ramzan@reading.gov.uk" target="_blank">shaidah.ramzan@reading.gov.uk</a> <a href="mailto:shaidah.ramzan@reading.gov.uk" target="_blank"></a>Closing Date: Sunday 7th September 2025 Interview Dates: To be confirmed Please note: the closing date is a guide only. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Early application is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

Contracts Lawyer

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Are you an experienced housing lawyer ready to take the next step in your legal career? We’re looking for a skilled and motivated Senior Housing Lawyer to join our dynamic Housing &amp; Civil Litigation Team within the Council’s Legal Services. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in high-quality legal work that truly makes a difference. 
If you have strong legal expertise, particularly in housing litigation, and a thorough understanding of key housing legislation, we’d love to hear from you. Join us as we work towards becoming the best place to practice local government law—where talent is valued, innovation is embraced, and professional excellence is at the heart of everything we do.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service.

About the role:
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the Council’s Housing Service by providing expert advice and assistance across all areas of Housing and Homelessness law. You’ll represent the Council in County and Magistrates' Court proceedings, with the potential to be involved in complex cases in the High Court.
Principal accountabilities and responsibilities include:
<ul>
<li>Be responsible for a large and varied caseload of Housing Litigation matters, to include drafting Letters Before Action, pleadings, witness statements, settlement agreements, briefs to counsel and corresponding with both Litigants in Person and legally represented opponents</li>
<li>Issuing court proceedings on behalf of the Council and ensuring that instructions are lodged within timescales</li>
<li>Complying with relevant Protocols and timescales, complying with the Civil Procedure Rules and ensuring that all court direction deadlines are met</li>
<li>Preparing for court hearings</li>
<li>Advocacy in the County Court and the Magistrates Court</li>
<li>Ensuring that clients are kept up to date with the progress of cases and legal action</li>
<li>Advising on all aspects of Housing law including in the areas of Homelessness, Allocations and Judicial Review and on relevant points arising in the Housing Act 1985, Housing Act 1996, Criminal Justice &amp; Public Order Act 1994, Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, Local Government Act 1972 and Equality Act 2010.</li>
<li>Assisting the Principal Lawyer where required in the more complex cases held by the team.</li>
<li>To deputise for the Principal Lawyer in casework or the management of the team when required by the Principal Lawyer</li>
<li>Providing advice to members, officers and partners on legal matters, policies and corporate issues, ensuring the Council’s best interests are achieved within the law.</li>
<li>Line managing of staff assigned by your line manager</li>
</ul>
 About you: We’re looking for a qualified legal professional an admitted Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with a current practising certificate and the right to practise in England. You’ll bring a strong interest in housing law, alongside in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience of Housing Litigation and court procedures, including conducting your own advocacy. With proven experience in managing or supervising others, you’ll be confident leading and supporting a team. Highly organised, conscientious, and collaborative, you take pride in delivering high-quality work and thrive in a dynamic, team-focused environment.
Our ideal candidate will have:
<ul>
<li>Experience of holding a large and varied caseload of housing cases</li>
<li>Experience of dealing with cases allocated to both the Fast and Multi track</li>
<li>Excellent diary management skills and the ability to organise and prioritise workload to meet service needs</li>
<li>Recent advocacy experience</li>
<li>An excellent working knowledge in key Housing legislation</li>
<li>Good interpersonal skills and is a good team player</li>
<li>Experience of line managing people and/or extensive supervision of others and a willingness to do so in this role</li>
</ul>
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Our offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
<ul>
<li>Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave</li>
<li>A wide range of flexible working opportunities&nbsp;</li>
<li>Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.berkshirepensions.org.uk/" target="_blank">Local Government Pension Scheme</a> (LGPS)</li>
<li>Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)</li>
<li>On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted</li>
<li>Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to &amp; from work</li>
<li>Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years.&nbsp; The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax</li>
</ul>
For more information on this position please contact Ms Georgina Tully - Principal Lawyer - <a href="mailto:Georgina.tully@reading.gov.uk" target="_blank">Georgina.tully@reading.gov.uk</a>
 Closing Date:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Monday 25th August 2025
Interview Date: &nbsp;To be confirmed
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Senior Housing Lawyer - Legal Services Team

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The Joint Legal Team is a leading shared legal service for Berkshire councils. Working collaboratively, to play a key role in supporting vulnerable adults, children, and young people. Joint Legal Team is a high performing team and has recently been shortlisted as Legal Team of the Year by Lawyers in Local Government (LLG). Hosted by Reading Borough Council, our forward-thinking team operates from modern offices in Reading town centre, close to transport links and courts. We aim to be the best place to practice law in local government, delivering high-quality legal advice, embracing innovation, and expanding our services. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service. About the role We are looking for an experienced senior solicitor, barrister, or FILEX to lead our Adults, Education, and Employment Team. This is a great opportunity for leadership development, managing a growing team that supports all Berkshire councils. You will oversee legal services delivery, ensure efficiency, and contribute to the Legal Services Management Team. With a client-focused, collaborative approach, you’ll handle diverse legal matters, meet tight deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Our Legal Operations Team supports you in implementing efficient systems, with a pathway toward Lexcel accreditation. You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this: Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed About you We are looking for a dedicated legal professional with a valid practising certificate as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and substantial post-qualification experience in legal practice. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and management expertise, excelling under pressure while meeting tight deadlines with efficiency. Exceptional communication, teamwork, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with a proactive and adaptable approach. We seek someone eager to contribute to service improvement, embracing innovation to support the continued growth and success of the team. Our offer: We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
<ul>
<li>Generous holiday entitlement - 31 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave</li>
<li>A wide range of flexible working opportunities&nbsp;</li>
<li>Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.berkshirepensions.org.uk/" target="_blank">Local Government Pension Scheme</a> (LGPS)</li>
<li>Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)</li>
<li>On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted</li>
<li>Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to &amp; from work</li>
<li>Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years.&nbsp; The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax</li>
</ul>
 For more information on this position, please contact <a href="mailto:recruitment@reading.gov.uk" target="_blank">recruitment@reading.gov.uk</a> or for an informal chat about this role, please contact Michael Graham, the Assistant Director for Legal and Democratic Services, <a href="mailto:michael.graham@reading.gov.uk" target="_blank">michael.graham@reading.gov.uk</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; Closing Date: Monday 25th August 2025&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Interview Date: To be confirmed Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

4 Legal Jobs in Berkshire, UK