In-House Solicitor / Legal Counsel (Real Estate & Property)

Kings Oak Capital

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We are seeking an experienced In-House Solicitor / Legal Counsel to oversee and manage all legal matters across our real estate investment, construction, property development, and property management operations. The role will support the business end-to-end, ensuring robust legal governance, risk management, and smooth execution of transactions.

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This is a hands-on role suited to someone comfortable operating across property, commercial, employment, and regulatory law in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment.

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Key Responsibilities

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1. Property Transactions & Finance:

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Manage and coordinate all legal work for acquisitions, disposals, development sites and refinances

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Review, negotiate, and advise on contracts, enquiries, undertakings, CPs, TR1s, leases, deeds, guarantees, warranties, title matters and lender requirements

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Liaise with external solicitors, surveyors, lenders, brokers, valuers, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely completion

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Support funding structures involving external funders, SPVs, and group entities

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2. Leases, Tenancies, Landlord/Tenant Law & Occupier Matters:

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Draft, review, advise on and negotiate ASTs, commercial leases, FRI leases, variations, assignments, surrenders, tenancy agreements, licences, and renewals

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Advise the business on Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 including security of tenure, lease renewals, opposition grounds, and contracting-out procedures

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Ensure full compliance with current and upcoming UK housing legislation including Renters Reform and changes to possession, eviction, notice procedures and tenant protections

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Handle rent arrears, serve statutory demands, Section 8/21 notices, and manage possession processes with third-party agents where required

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Manager and advise on tenant disputes, dilapidations, forfeiture advice, tribunal or court matters and enforcement actions

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3. Block Management, Service Charges & Compliance:

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Oversee legal aspects of block management including service charge disputes, arrears recovery, Section 20 consultations, major works compliance, company secretarial compliance, and regulatory requirements

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Support with tribunal applications and responses, leaseholder challenges and first-tier tribunal matters where required

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Advise on managing agents’ obligations, RMCs, RTMs, and freehold/leasehold structures

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4. Corporate, Commercial & Governance:

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Prepare and review shareholder agreements, intercompany agreements, development agreements, commercial contracts, JVs, NDAs and contract documentation

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Ensure the business maintains strong legal compliance and risk controls across all entities

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5. Construction & Development:

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Review construction contracts, warranties, collateral warranties, bonds, CDM compliance, and consultant appointments

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Support with variations, extensions of time, claims, dispute resolution and contractor negotiations

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6. Employment Law & HR Support

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Draft, review and maintain employment contracts, consultancy agreements and self-employed contractor agreements, policies, handbooks and internal HR documentation

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Advise on UK employment and HR law matters including hiring, termination, redundancy, disciplinaries, grievances, IR35 considerations and employment status risk

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Support directors and management with day-to-day HR legal queries and risk mitigation

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What We’re Looking For

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Qualified solicitor (UK) with strong experience in property, real estate, or commercial law

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Ability to manage a high-volume, varied caseload across multiple group companies

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Commercially minded, proactive, solutions-focused, and comfortable working in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment

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Strong communication and drafting skills with the ability to work independently

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