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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in advising on utilities infrastructure and complex property matters.
- Company: Join Birketts LLP, a top UK law firm with a 160-year legacy and a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, profit sharing, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a nationally recognised team with strong career growth and a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 6+ years PQE in property law, with leadership experience and a passion for utilities or energy sectors.
- Other info: We embrace diversity and offer a hybrid working model to suit your lifestyle.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Senior Associate / Legal Director – Utilities (1318)
Join to apply for the Senior Associate / Legal Director – Utilities (1318) role at Birketts LLP
Senior Associate / Legal Director – Utilities (1318)
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Senior Associate / Legal Director – Utilities (1318) role at Birketts LLP
Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.
We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face.
Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 5th best law firm to work at in 2024.
With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership.
The department
We have one of the best regarded and largest dedicated property teams within the country, numbering over 100 specialists. Within this, the utilities sub team is a growing and dynamic part of the practice, advising on complex infrastructure, energy and utilities related property matters and volume conveyancing for the networks including electricity gas fibre water heat and EV Charge point operators.
We act for a wide range of clients including statutory undertakers, energy providers, water companies, and landowners. Our work spans acquisitions and disposals, easements and wayleaves, infrastructure agreements, and strategic land projects.
The team currently comprises 19 at varying levels of qualification making us one of the largest Utilities teams in England. We act for 11 of the 22 registered IDNO’s in the country. We have the strength and depth of expertise to ensure we deliver the service you would expect in respect of technical quality, practical approach and timeliness of advice.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a nationally recognised team with a strong pipeline of work and a collaborative, forward-thinking culture.
Accountabilities
The ideal candidate will have experience in:
- Leading a busy diverse team at varying levels of experience and ability.
- Advising on land rights for utilities infrastructure, including leases, easements, wayleaves, and licences
- Acting on acquisitions and disposals
- Supporting Commercial Real Estate Teams on land assembly for major infrastructure projects
- Drafting and negotiating infrastructure agreements and development-related documents and network agreements
- Leading client relationships and contributing to business development initiatives in the sector
- Working with the Energy and Infrastructure Sector group
The candidate
We are seeking a solicitor with 6+ years’ PQE and a strong background in residential or commercial property, ideally with experience or a demonstrable interest in the utilities, infrastructure, or energy sectors.
You will be commercially astute, technically excellent, and confident in managing complex transactions and an enthusiastic team. Experience supervising junior lawyers and team leadership is essential at this level.
You will also be expected to:
- Play a key role in the growth and development of the Utilities team
- Build and maintain strong client relationships
- Contribute to thought leadership and sector-focused marketing initiatives
Birketts has designed a \’Talent Management Framework\’ which provides a career structure that will help us develop, retain and reward talented people. Promotion is based on assessment of your performance, competency and achievements. Our Talent Management Framework will see you joining as a Senior Associate at 6+ years’ PQE, with the opportunity to be promoted to Legal Director / Partner over 10 years PQE, or equally (depending on experience) we will consider Legal Directors or Partners for this role.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious property lawyer to join a successful team in a growing firm which enjoys an excellent reputation and can offer good career prospects.
The information provided in relation to PQE is provided for guidance only and will not be determinative in the recruitment decision. Any applicant with more or less PQE than that mentioned in the vacancy details will be considered on their individual merits.
Equal opportunities
At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth.
Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:
- Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
- Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
- Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
- Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
- Life Assurance – 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
- Paid CSR Day
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Subsidised gym membership
- Electric car scheme
- Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
- Dress for your Day Policy
Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.
Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.
Birketts is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.
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Senior Associate / Legal Director - Utilities (1318) employer: Birketts LLP
Contact Detail:
Birketts LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate / Legal Director - Utilities (1318)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the utilities sector and current trends. Understanding the latest developments in energy, infrastructure, and property law will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the utilities and legal sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and mentors. Building relationships can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Since the role requires managing a diverse team, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, mentored junior lawyers, and contributed to business development initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Birketts LLP's culture and values. Understanding their commitment to diversity, community impact, and professional development will allow you to align your responses with their ethos, showcasing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the firm.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate / Legal Director - Utilities (1318)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in utilities, infrastructure, or energy sectors. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements that align with the role's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the firm. Mention your understanding of Birketts' Next Level Law proposition and how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in the utilities team.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, clearly outline your experience with land rights, acquisitions, and disposals. Provide examples of complex transactions you've managed and how you've supported junior lawyers in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Client Relationship Skills: Demonstrate your ability to build and maintain strong client relationships. Include specific examples of how you've contributed to business development initiatives in your past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birketts LLP
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Associate or Legal Director, you'll be expected to lead a diverse team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've successfully managed teams, especially in complex transactions.
✨Demonstrate Sector Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the utilities, infrastructure, and energy sectors. Be ready to discuss recent developments or challenges in these areas, as well as how they might impact the work at Birketts LLP.
✨Prepare for Client Relationship Questions
Building and maintaining strong client relationships is key. Think of examples where you've successfully managed client expectations or contributed to business development initiatives, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Commercial Acumen
Birketts is looking for candidates who are commercially astute. Prepare to discuss how you've approached complex transactions with a focus on commercial outcomes, and how you can bring that perspective to the role.
