Assistant Lawyer

Guardian Jobs; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000

Job description

At the National Trust, we care for a wide portfolio of properties, collections, and a diverse let estate, alongside a thriving visitor business. We’re recruiting an Assistant Lawyer with experience in transactional property law, eager to transition into the charity sector to join us. You’ll be based in our Legal & Governance Directorate, and we’re open to full-time or part-time hours (minimum 4 days per week).

What it's like to work here

Working in-house for a charity offers new opportunities, job satisfaction, and the chance to contribute to a cause you believe in. You’ll be part of a supportive team with access to legal resources like PLC and Lexis Nexis.

Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon and there will be an expectation for you to attend the office 2 days a week. However, there is flexibility on where you’re based at other times. You’ll be required to work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.

What you'll be doing

As an Assistant Lawyer, you’ll support the legal team with a range of transactions and queries, including property acquisitions, lease management, covenants, rights, and land registration. You’ll advise on property-related matters and non-property issues like collaboration agreements and events.

In addition, you may assist with staff training, preparing precedent agreements, reviewing legislation, and exploring new areas of law. Our work is diverse, requiring practical solutions and risk evaluation, but you'll be supported by a friendly and experienced team.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.

Who we're looking for

• a recognised legal qualification with proven experience in estate management, including leases (agricultural, commercial, residential), easements, restrictive covenants, common land, and property acquisition
• ability to grasp new matters and work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• a willingness to explore new areas of law
• communication skills, both written and verbal
• a dedication to learning and contributing to a diverse range of work
• proven ability to deliver high-quality work to deadlines
• able to take a proactive approach to your work

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places