Our client The Land Development Agency (LDA) is a key Government Commercial Semi-State Body that delivers social and affordable housing on State and other lands. It is overseen by an independent board of directors and is funded with €3.75 billion of equity capital committed by the Government. It is also permitted to borrow up to €1.25bn
The LDA has commenced construction on various state sourced lands and is currently working on about 20 direct delivery projects that can deliver over 8,000 homes. It is also delivering affordable housing by working with private sector on an initiative called ‘Project Tosaigh’, which will yield a further 5,000 homes on land provided by housebuilders.
Additionally, the LDA is working on large-scale longer-term strategic areas by master-planning and bringing forward planning applications in locations such as Limerick Colbert Quarter, the Digital Hub in Dublin and Sandy Road in Galway.
The LDA is underpinned by a positive, collegiate, ‘can do’ culture based on our core values of Integrity, Results, Collaboration, Sustainability and Innovation. Our team is around 160 people and growing rapidly.
Summary:
This is a key position within the LDA Legal business unit, reporting directly to a senior lawyer. The role would support a variety of transactions, including forward-purchase acquisitions, forward-funds, development agreements, collaborations with Local Authorities and commercial public bodies. The roles would also support disposals, lettings and estate management schemes.
The successful candidate would be part of the LDA Legal business unit, reporting directly to a senior lawyer and would work with all business units with leading professionals in their respective fields.
The role would suit a solicitor with at least 1-2 years PQE in property / construction matters who is enthusiastic about the LDA’s objectives and enjoys a dynamic role. The successful candidate would be someone who takes ownership for their workload, is assertive and uses initiative to continually improve ways of working.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Reporting directly to a senior lawyer, providing day-to-day legal assistance in relation to a variety of transactions, including forward-purchase acquisitions, forward-funds, development agreements, disposals, lettings and estate management schemes.
- Sample workstreams may include:
- Acquisitions of land; forward-purchase and forward-fund arrangements.
- Disposals of land and affordable for sale units.
- Part V agreements, estate management arrangements, utility connection agreements.
- Consultants’ appointments, construction contracts and associated tenders.
- Support with development agreements, forward-funds – with input from the LDA’s external legal advisers.
- Assist with related internal governance matters pertaining to the various workstreams.
- Liaise with external legal services providers; and manage relationships so as to engender sound advice, commercial guidance and timely responses.
- Within the Legal business unit, contribute to knowledge-building, templates, know-how and ways of working.
- Provide legal support and advice, as required, at all levels across the LDA to support the LDA’s activities.
Requirements:
- At least 1 - 2 years PQE assisting with property and / or construction transactions, and related matters.
- Strong attention to detail with excellent organisational and administrative skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with staff at all levels of the organisation as well as external law firms.
- Ability to work on own initiative, and to assume responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments and tasks.
- The ability to provide practical legal advice that is grounded in the reality of the context in which the LDA operates, and in plain language.
To apply:
The closing date for applications is Thursday, 2nd May 2024
The Land Development Agency (LDA) is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promote and support a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we endeavour to provide reasonable accommodation.