Principal Property Litigation Lawyer

About the role

The Canal & River Trust is seeking a Principal Property Litigation Lawyer to lead the provision of legal advice and manage complex property disputes across its operational and investment portfolio. This senior position will work remotely with occasional attendance at the Trust’s main hub spaces.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and conduct property law disputes, including title, trespass, boundary, easements, restrictive covenants, nuisance and rights of support.
• Manage legal risk associated with the Trust’s engineering, estates, utilities and business boating activities.
• Provide strategic advice to senior managers and the Executive on litigation risk and asset management.
• Handle high‑value claims as both claimant and defendant involving infrastructure such as retaining walls, bridges, harbours, flood defences and reservoirs.
• Supervise a Property Litigation Lawyer and Paralegal, coordinate external counsel and work closely with the Trust Claims Manager.
• Collaborate with the Senior Litigation Lawyer on boating and mooring disputes.

Required profile

• Qualified solicitor (or equivalent) with at least 10 years of property litigation experience, either in private practice or in‑house.
• Proven ability to lead complex, high‑value disputes independently and manage a heavy caseload.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders on legal risk and participating in strategic discussions.
• Demonstrated supervision and coordination of legal and expert teams, including external counsel.
• Strong collaborative skills across all levels of the Trust and with external advisers.

Required skills

• Extensive knowledge of UK property law and litigation procedures.
• Ability to assess and mitigate legal risk in large‑scale infrastructure projects.
• Experience drafting and reviewing legal documents, pleadings and settlement agreements.
• Competence in managing external counsel and expert witnesses.