Legal Advisor – West Midlands

As Legal Advisor, you will provide first‑class legal advice to both office and field‑based colleagues, working in a fast‑paced and fun environment. The role will require a detailed knowledge of all operational letting agreements, landlord and tenant legislation, leaseholder covenants, termination of letting agreements, court‑driven possession actions and dispute resolution.

Responsibilities

• Responsibility for managing in possession disputes in aligned Divisional Business Units and providing direct support to the DBU by being a virtual member and attending meetings.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, local authorities and solicitors appointed by the Company.
• Conduct detailed reviews of letting histories, tracing & researching previous tenants’ liability, prepare clear and detailed advice to Operations to assist with commercial considerations in distress situations and exit negotiations.
• Prepare cases summaries and recommendations to Divisional Directors and Regional Managers on pre‑litigation disputes to promote settlement and avoid litigation wherever possible.
• Preparation of letters before action in relation to in possession debt matters.
• Review and advise on Alternative Dispute Resolution processes on in possession disputes.
• Interpret and advise on contractual terms of head leases and occupational leases.
• Advise on and prepare S146 notices as pre‑requisite to possession actions.
• Preparation of case files and chronologies and instructions to solicitors in litigation matters appointed by the Group and ensure ongoing management to conclusion including recommendations to settle on commercial terms.
• Review and advise on appropriate use of and execution of peaceable re‑entry and supporting Regional Managers in safe execution.
• Prepare and instruct solicitors with instructions on possession actions and managing the cases to conclusion whether by court order recorded by consent or judgement and enforcement by warrant.
• Review and advise on change of control of a corporate tenant and appropriate remedial actions.
• Attend at court, mediation and without prejudice meetings connected with the above as required.

Dispute Resolution – Debt Recovery (in possession)

• Preparation of and transfer of conduct of debt recovery matters post possession to the debt recovery team.
• Advise on, instruct and serve Statutory Demands in relation to in possession debt recovery.
• Review and advise on S17 notices and instruct solicitors if applicable and manage to conclusion.
• Review and advise on reliance on Authorised Guarantee Agreements in context of in possession debt recovery and manage instructions to solicitors where required.
• Advise on reliance of an overriding lease and manage instructions to solicitors where required.
• Review and advise on publican insolvency issues (Liquidation, Administration, CVA, IVA and Bankruptcy).

Legal – Estate Management, Change of Tenancy and Transition Management

• Instruct solicitors and manage Deed of Surrenders and the lease buyback process on complex matters or where a premium is being paid.
• Advise on and prepare surrender letters and advise Divisional Directors and Regional Managers of mechanics.
• Advise on CST/MSA within Craft Union and prepare surrender and immediate termination letters.
• Prepare and issue TAW termination letters.
• Prepare and issue HMRC de‑registration application.

Qualifications

• Experience of commercial leases within a fast‑paced commercial environment.
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage the production of documents critical to the business.
• Experience of timely and accurate updating and maintenance of company databases.
• Ability to communicate information effectively to a wide range of internal/external contacts.
• Confident in using and interpreting information found at Companies House and Land Registry.

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of Company Law.
• Knowledge of the wide variety of leases and tenancies within the Stonegate estate and all covenants contained therein.
• An understanding of the 2016 Pubs Code.
• Dealing with local authorities, professional advisors and having the confidence to challenge.
• Knowledge of share schemes.
• Experience of dealing with HM Land Registry.

Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Bonus Scheme.
• Access to discounted Private Medical Insurance through Vitality.
• Exclusive discounts on Dental Insurance.
• Reward Card via the MiXR app, giving you and your friends 25% off food and drinks as well as VIP entry across our Managed Estate.
• Life Assurance which gives access to Help @ Hand.
• Access to your pay early via Stream.The Stonegate Xtra portal with access to a wide range of high‑street discounts and offers.
• Discounted access to David Lloyd membership.
• Award winning Learning & Development programmes to drive your career.

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