We’re seeking an experienced property lawyer to join our Legal team, supporting the Trust’s strategic ambitions and working closely with professional advisers to manage our diverse estate. Property law at the National Trust is truly unique, combining the full range of land law with the responsibilities of a charity and the National Trust Acts. The role goes beyond transactions, helping to shape strategy and decision‑making across a wide range of issues.
What it’s like to work here
Working as part of a large in-house team for a charity provides opportunities for a unique and interesting caseload that is second to none, a real sense of contributing to a cause you believe in and job satisfaction. It’s a team full of expertise and with a strong culture of collaboration, always ready to support each other and share knowledge. We recognise the value that comes with supporting each other and building trusted and positive relationships with each other and our clients.
We also have Assistant Lawyers in our legal team, as well as a panel of external firms to help share the casework.
Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon. Therewill be an expectation for you to attend theofficetwice a week. However, there is flexibility on where you are based at other times. You willbe requiredto work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week. This will be discussed inmore detail at interview.
What you’ll be doing
You will support a portfolio of properties across one or more National Trust regions, providing clear, high‑quality legal advice to stakeholders from operational teams to Regional Directors. Your workload will cover a broad range of matters, including property transactions (acquisitions, disposals and lettings), land and tenancy management across residential, agricultural and commercial estates, and related non‑property issues. Tasks may range from advising on acquisitions and boundary disputes to reviewing collaboration agreements, event contracts and legislative consultations. You will help clients assess risk and opportunity and deliver practical, solutions‑focused advice across a diverse caseload.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don’t need to have all of 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 qualified lawyer (Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX Conveyancing Practitioner) with post‑qualification experience in one or more areas of property law, such as estate management, leases (agricultural, commercial or residential), easements, covenants, commons, or property acquisitions.
- Curious and motivated, with a willingness to learn new areas of law and practice.
- Able to analyse issues quickly, deliver high‑quality work, and meet deadlines.
- A confident communicator who builds strong, positive working relationships.
- An ability to work collaboratively as well as independently.
- An effective delegator, you provide clear instructions and ongoing support where needed.
- Enthusiasm for working within the charitable sector and supporting the Trust’s work is just as important as your experience or background.
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)
•Season ticket loan
•EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
•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.
National Trust place
Heelis, Swindon, SN2 2NA
Documents
Lawyer – Grade 5.pdf
Requirements
Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Additional information
Closing Date: 07 June 2026
Interview Dates: 16 & 17 June 2026
To apply for this vacancy simply click the ‘apply’ button in the top right hand side of the page.
If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk
If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we’ll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.
EqualOpportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here .
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.
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