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At a glance

This is a hybrid working role, therefore your time will primarily be split between working from home and the London Head Office.

Contract type

This position is an 18 month fixed term contract

About the role

Reporting into the Head of Legal, the John Lewis Partnership is looking for a Legal Counsel, Property to join the team on a fixed term basis.

This is a fast paced role in a busy in-house legal team and you will advise all trading divisions of the John Lewis Partnership, which consists of John Lewis, Waitrose and Group, in relation to all aspects of Property/Real estate law.

You will be the first point of contact for real estate issues within the legal team and will work closely with the Property & Development team and across the business. You will need to be an excellent communicator, who can explain legal issues clearly, simply and advise accordingly.

We are looking for someone who will think commercially and support stakeholders with a mind to both the law and the strategy of the business. You will act as a trusted advisor to the business, providing strategic legal advice that actively contributes to and supports the overall direction of the Partnership, acting as an integral part of the teams that you support, influencing decisions and outcomes with confidence.

Dealing with stakeholders of a varying level, up to Executive Director, you’ll be highly proficient in building strong relationships, and managing stakeholders effectively. Relationships with the Real Estate Managers are paramount, and you will also need to work closely with the commercial and employment law teams.

Organisational skills, and a self-starting mentality are critical, as you will need to be able to work independently and prioritise and manage a variable and pressurised workload.

The Partnership is a unique business and it is essential that you have the adaptability to advise within the context of its Constitution and democratic structure.

Requirements include:

• Being the first point of contact on real estate issues within the legal team and to work closely with the Property & Constructions teams and across the business;

• Working with key stakeholders across all divisions of the Partnership, being an integral part of the decision making processes, and understanding and influencing the strategic direction through robust challenge, debate and expertise;

• Being able to identify and guide the Partnership in responding to regulatory and legislative change;

• Understanding the Partnership risk framework and strategy and play an active role highlighting and considering risk in the Partnership

• Taking a proactive approach in relation to the identification of risk and risk management, and to identify and guide the Partnership in responding to, regulatory and legislative change

• Be able to spot issues outside of your area of expertise (such as property-related competition law risks) and drive connections between this function and other areas of the organisation.

Essential Skills

• Property lawyer, qualified to practice as a solicitor in England and Wales;

• At least 3 years PQE;

• In-house experience an advantage;

• Ideally with experience with retail and corporate occupiers;

• Experience of Build to Rent sectors and corporate real estate highly desirable;

• Ability to work efficiently and independently with minimal supervision;

• Skilled at turning complex legal advice into simple easy to understand narrative;

• Able to confidently manage relationships with external counsel;

• Track record of being regarded as a trusted adviser to the business and commercial in their approach;

• Willing to work across a broad range of projects and step outside of comfort zone/legal specialism.

Benefits of the Partnership

You will enjoy 25% discount at John Lewis and 20% in Waitrose

The Partnership has a competitive pension scheme where your contributions will be matched by the Partnership (up to 8% of pay)

Excellent work-life balance, including a focus on well-being and flexible working and our marketing leading equal parenthood leave Policy

Find out more about the extensive range of exciting benefits that you could enjoy when you join us on our website under About the Partnership; Benefits LINK

Next Steps

The application form consists of a CV upload followed by application questions. Please ensure you refresh the page each time you complete a task to ensure you complete everything that you need to in time. (If internal, check your Workday notifications and see further guidance on the PDW under "Internal application process"

Once you've submitted an application the next steps of the process, if successful, will include a 1st stage virtual interview followed by a more detailed Stage 2 Interview.

You'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you.

Thanks for your patience in the meantime and for showing an interest in joining the John Lewis Partnership

For External applicants - Please click on the link below for the role profile

For Internal applicants only - You would like to view the job outline for this role please copy and paste the following link into your browser here.

Please note that should we receive a high volume we reserve the right to close the role early.